Labour backs down on Islamophobia definition

Labour has signalled a U-turn on backing a definition of ‘Islamophobia’ amid concerns over free speech.

In opposition, the Labour Party formally adopted a definition of Islamophobia and incorporated it into its code of conduct which all party members are expected to follow.

The definition states: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”

But campaigners fear that the definition, drawn up by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims, is too broad and could amount to a “blasphemy law”.

Critics argue that its adoption risks leading to free speech being “curtailed”, with legitimate debates about issues such as polygamy being shut down.

Now, in the strongest signal yet that the Government is now backing away from adopting this definition, Lord Khan, the faith minister, has admitted that it is “not in line” with equality laws.

In a letter to the Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO), seen by The Telegraph, Lord Khan said the Government was “committed to tackling religious hatred”, adding that the definition of Islamophobia “plays an important role”.

But he went on to say that the APPG’s definition of Islamophobia “is not in line with the Equality Act 2010, which defines race in terms of colour, nationality and national or ethnic origins”.

He said that defining Islamophobia was a “complex issue” and ministers were approaching the issue in a “more holistic” way.

“We want to ensure that any definition comprehensively reflects multiple perspectives and implications for different communities,” he said.

“This Government is actively considering our approach to tackling Islamophobia through a more holistic lens, and will provide further information on this in due course.”

Lord Khan added: “More appropriately, the Equality Act 2010 provides protection from discrimination, harassment or victimisation to anyone with a religious belief as well as to those who lack a religion or belief, subject to certain exceptions.

“A person who experiences Islamophobia from their employer or when accessing goods and services may be able to bring a case of religious discrimination or harassment to an employment tribunal or other civil court.”

Lord Khan was writing in response to a letter from the NSO in which they raised “grave concerns” about the Islamophobia definition.

They noted that the definition “has already been adopted by the Labour party and incorporated into its governing body’s code of conduct” and went on to warn that: “Adoption of this contested definition into law would have serious implications on free speech, not least the ability to discuss historical truths.”

The National Secular Society, which also wrote to ministers, argues that adopting an “Islamophobia” definition would “inflame, rather than dispel, community tensions and division”.

Lord Khan told the NSO that freedom of speech and the freedom to discuss religion are “incredibly important”, and promised that the Government’s approach to tackling religious hatred would “never inhibit the lawful right to freedom of expression”.

Labour adopted the APPG’s definition of Islamophobia in 2019, and it continues to feature in the latest edition of the party’s rule book.

‘Risks shutting down debate’

Neil Basu, a former UK counter-terror chief, warned at the time that it “risks shutting down debate” about Islam and could allow terror suspects to “legally challenge investigation” and undermine counter-terror laws “on the basis that they are ‘Islamophobic’”.

Fiyaz Mughal, the founder of Tell Mama, which monitors anti-Muslim hate, has said that the definition would “curtail free speech” and would risk “giving oxygen to groups like the far Right”.

Mr Mughal, who was once tipped to become the Government’s first Islamophobia adviser, said such a definition could prevent legitimate criticism of Muslims, including from members of the same religion.

Since entering Government, Sir Keir Starmer has come under pressure from some quarters to back the definition, with several Muslim organisations calling for the Gvernment to act particularly in the wake of the summer riots.

Stephen Evans, chief executive of the National Secular Society, said: “We welcome the Government’s acknowledgement of the definition’s incompatibility with equality law and urge them to uphold their promise to address anti-Muslim hate in ways that won’t erode freedom of expression around religion.”

A Government spokesman said: “We are committed to tackling all forms of hatred and division, including addressing the unacceptable rise in anti-Muslim hatred.

“Any new definition of Islamophobia must be given careful consideration, so it comprehensively covers multiple perspectives and considers potential implications for different communities. We will provide further updates in due course.”