A long-awaited definition of Islamophobia is expected within weeks – and a former faith minister is urging the government to adopt it in full.
It is expected that the government will move away from the word “Islamophobia”, instead replacing it with “anti-Muslim hostility”.
But Lord Khan, who oversaw the start of the review into the definition, told Sky News the government must adopt the full new definition to tackle hate against Muslims.
The Labour peer, who was faith minister until the September reshuffle, told Sky News: “I hope it’s a clear definition which reflects the terms of reference which protects people, and it’s clear.
“There’s so many definitions out there, this is an opportunity to address the big problem in our communities.
“I would request and urge the government to adopt the definition which fits within the terms of reference on what we wanted to do when we embarked on the process.
“It’s a strong message to our communities that the work that should be done isn’t being done – these are lived experiences and I am one of those people who has suffered.”
There was a suspected arson attack at a mosque in East Sussex earlier this month. Pic: Eddie Mitchell
Chaired by former Conservative minister Dominic Grieve, an independent working group has been looking at whether to produce a new definition of Islamophobia since February as part of a government bid to tackle the rise in hate crimes towards British Muslims.
Its aim was to “define unacceptable treatment, prejudice, discrimination and hate targeting Muslims or anyone who is perceived to be Muslim”.
From the beginning, ministers have insisted that any new definition would not infringe on freedom of speech, that it would protect the right to criticise, express dislike of, or insult religions and it would not pave the…
