Ministers Set To Drop The Word "Islamophobia" From New Definition
3 min read
A long-awaited definition is expected to refer to “anti-Muslim hostility” as the government prepares to move away from the previous wording of Islamophobia.
An independent working group, led by former Conservative Cabinet minister Dominic Grieve KC, has been looking at whether to produce a new definition of Islamophobia since earlier this year, as part of the government bid to tackle the rise in hate crimes towards Muslims. MPs and peers were invited to share their views on the consultation process in July.
Throughout the process, the government has sought to stress that any new definition would not infringe on freedom of speech, and that it is not obliged to accept what the working group proposes.
Having now received the working group's recommendations, PoliticsHome understands that ministers are currently leaning towards official wording that does not include “Islamophobia”, “Muslimness” or “structural”.
Instead, it is expected to focus on anti-Muslim hostility and those who encourage acts of violence, vandalism, or harassment towards Muslims in-person or online. It is also expected to describe people who engage in “prejudicial stereotyping” and the “racialisation of Muslims" or those perceived to be Muslims because of their religion or ethnicity.
Sources familiar with the work say the definition could be announced as soon as in the next few weeks.
A government spokesperson confirmed that ministers had received the working group's recommendations, but said that they would not comment on leaks.
PoliticsHome understands that ministers want to ensure any new wording protects people, and not religions.
The working group is reporting to Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who replaced Angela Rayner in the September Cabinet reshuffle. He previously told The Telegraph he would not support wording which could curb free speech, telling the paper he would not allow the introduction of "blasphemy laws".
In June, PoliticsHome obtained a survey that was sent to stakeholders interested in contributing to the work on a possible new definition. At a meeting in Parliament in July, chair Grieve said it may conclude that there is no need for a definition.
Blue Labour peer Maurice Glasman previously told PoliticsHome that Prime Minister Keir Starmer should drop any plans to introduce an Islamophobia definition, claiming that it could inflame community tensions and harm free speech.
In 2019, the Labour Party adopted a working definition of Islamophobia from the all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims, which included the statement: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson told PoliticsHome: “We do not comment on leaks. The department is carefully considering the Working Group’s recommendations, and no decisions have been made.
“We will always defend freedom of speech, including fiercely protecting the right to criticise, express dislike of, or insult religions and the beliefs and practices of those who follow them. This will remain at the front of our minds as we review the definition.”
