"Afzal Khan who wrote to Steve Reed on Friday asking him to adopt a definition of anti-Muslim hatred as an important step in addressing discrimination, prejudice and hatred the community faces. This comes at a time when unfortunately, Islamophobia continues to increase rapidly, with devastating consequences. In 2025, 45% of religious hate crimes were directed towards Muslims. This is a 19% increase, the letter says."
"In February, the government launched a working group to define unacceptable treatment, prejudice, discrimination and hate targeting Muslims or anyone who is perceived to be Muslim. It is understood the working group submitted its report earlier this month to Reed, laying out a nonstatutory definition of Islamophobia. Should it go ahead, the proposed definition is expected to be put to a consultation."
"Signatories urged Reed to adopt a definition during Islamophobia awareness month in November and to work with communities who this definition is meant to protect. Critics have raised concerns that the definition could limit freedom of speech and the ability to criticise Islam. The Guardian reported earlier this month that the new definition of Islamophobia being considered by ministers is understood to be expected to protect the freedom to criticise Islam."
Forty Labour and independent MPs, including Diane Abbott, Dawn Butler, Kim Johnson and Andrew Gwynne, urged housing secretary Steve Reed to adopt a definition of anti-Muslim hatred to address discrimination, prejudice and hatred faced by Muslim communities. In 2025, 45% of religious hate crimes targeted Muslims, a 19% increase and a reported 92% rise in Islamophobic hate crimes since 2023. A government working group launched in February has submitted a non-statutory definition to Reed and a consultation is expected. Signatories requested adoption during Islamophobia awareness month and engagement with affected communities, while critics warned of potential free-speech implications.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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