Edgware Arabic bookshop removes Hitler's Mein Kampf after backlash
Aafaq on Edgware Road took the book off sale following criticism from Westminster councillor Elliot Keck
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Aafaq, an Arabic bookshop on Edgware Road, removed copies of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf from sale after local councillors and residents raised objections. The shop displayed a notice in its window on 12 August explaining the decision, following criticism from Westminster Conservative councillor Elliot Keck.
Keck posted on social media on 11 August that he had seen multiple copies of the book on display at the shop, which opened on 1 August. He described his reaction as disgust and questioned what the shop’s decision to stock the book said about integration and antisemitism in the community. The shop is located near the West Central London Synagogue.
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Shop responds to criticism
A spokesman for Aafaq told the *Evening Standard* that only three copies of Mein Kampf were on display. The spokesman said the shop did not endorse the book’s content, stating: "Aafaq unequivocally rejects Nazi ideology, antisemitism, racism and Islamophobia."
The shop’s window notice read: "After concerns were raised regarding a particular title, we reviewed the matter and decided to remove the book from sale. We remain committed to providing a welcoming bookstore for everyone in our community."
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Legal status of Mein Kampf in Britain
Mein Kampf is not banned in Britain. The book, in which Hitler outlines his antisemitic and racist ideology, is available in reference libraries and sold online for academic study. Major bookshop chains typically do not stock or display it.
Labour councillors for Hyde Park and Paddington initially praised the shop’s opening but later deleted a social media post after the controversy emerged. The deleted post stated that the shop had removed the book following community concerns, adding that dialogue could help prevent hate and division.
What happens next
Aafaq has not indicated whether it will restock Mein Kampf in future. No formal complaints have been lodged with Barnet Council or the police regarding the book’s sale. The shop remains open, and its spokesman has not commented further since the removal.
Questions this report answers
+Is Mein Kampf banned in Britain?
No, Mein Kampf is not banned in Britain. It is available in reference libraries and online for academic purposes, though most bookshops avoid stocking it. The book remains legal despite its antisemitic content.
+Why did Aafaq remove Mein Kampf from sale?
Aafaq removed the book after Westminster councillor Elliot Keck and local residents criticised its display. The shop said it reviewed the matter following community concerns and decided to take it off sale.
+What did the shop say about stocking Mein Kampf?
Aafaq’s spokesman said only three copies were displayed and that the shop did not endorse the book’s content. The spokesman stated the shop rejects Nazi ideology, antisemitism, racism and Islamophobia.
+Will Aafaq restock Mein Kampf in future?
It is unclear whether Aafaq will restock Mein Kampf. The shop has not commented on future plans, and no formal complaints have been made to Barnet Council or the police.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
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