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The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has been criticized for asking Brits to fast for a day so they would know what it is like to be a Muslim. Johnson said people should starve themselves from dawn until dusk during Ramadan and then end their fast during a visit to their local mosque. Steve Uncles, South East chairman of the English Democrats, blasted Johnson's comments. He said: "The indigenous culture of this country is based on Christianity and Paganism. Of course, as an open and tolerant society, if people want to practise other religions then good luck to them. But the state should not be funding them because otherwise we will lose our culture." Johnson, 45, was visiting the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre when he made these comments, the Daily Star reported. "Whether it's in theatre, comedy, sports, music or politics, Muslims are challenging the traditional stereotypes and showing that they are, and want to be, a part of the mainstream community. "That's why I urge people, particularly during Ramadan, to find out more about Islam, increase your understanding and learning, even fast for a day with your Muslim neighbour and break your fast at the local mosque," Johnson said. He added: "There are valuable lessons that people of all backgrounds can learn from Islam, such as the importance of community spirit, family ties, compassion and helping those less fortunate, all of which lie at the heart of the teachings of Ramadan."