HALESOWEN and Rowley Regis UKIP candidate Dean Perks has responded to the national media storm that has followed his controversial comments about Sharia Law.

After the News broke the story about Mr Perks comments praising the practice of thieves having their hands being chopped off there have been repeated calls for UKIP leader Nigel Farage to sack him.

Today (Monday) he expressed his "deep disappointment" over the matter and claimed his comments were “twisted by political opponents and newspapers to imply he supports Sharia law in the UK.”

He said: "I reject Sharia Law and I firmly believe that British law should cover everyone in this country with no exceptions" said Mr Perks today.

"We in UKIP have come to expect our political opponents to play the man, not the ball, as they have realised that it is our common sense policies and not theirs which resonate with the voters.

"Of course if they want to continue ignoring the real issues while we push ahead with representing local people on issues that matter that's fine by us but we will not permit distortions of the truth and I will be seeking clarification from the newspapers concerned."

Appearing on Radio WM’s Adrian Goldberg Show the under-fire UKIP candidate hit back at opponents like Warley MP John Spellar who called for Nigel Farage to fire him.

Mr Perks said: “I have never advocated the amputation of limbs in this country and it is laughable to suggest I have said that.

“I am the victim of a smear campaign by a group which is funded high up in society, they did the same to the BNP a few years ago.”

Mr Perks is believed to be referencing Hope Not Hate as their website aired the YouTube video of him making the Sharia Law remarks to UKIP members in Coventry during a speech about the dangers of social media.