The Government appears determined to revive blasphemy laws through the creation of an official definition of Islamophobia.
At the start of the year, the then Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, established a working group on Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred, appointing former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve KC as chair. The group has operated in secrecy since and faced significant criticism for its lack of transparency.
Mounting pressure on the Government over the necessity and suitability of an official definition has led to a shift in language. Over a month ago, it was leaked that the working group had quietly submitted its recommendations to ministers, and that the term “Islamophobia” would be replaced with “anti-Muslim hatred”.
The spin continued last week at Prime Minister’s Questions, where Sir Keir Starmer opted to use the phrase “anti-Muslim hatred” instead of “Islamophobia”.
Unsurprisingly, the public are not convinced. A new JL Partners survey reveals that a majority of Britons oppose an official definition of Islamophobia in any form.
James Johnson, co-founder of JL Partners, said: “Whichever way the proponents of a definition try to spin this, it remains toxic with the British public. Whether framed as anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia, semantics are not going to save the prospect of a new definition from sinking badly with the British public.”
The Free Speech Union — alongside parliamentarians Robert Jenrick, Claire Coutinho and Nick Timothy — have been at the forefront of opposing an official definition that would stifle free speech. Even a non-statutory definition would inevitably make open discussion of sensitive issues, such as Islamist terrorism and the grooming-gang scandals, far more difficult.
The UK has a long and proud tradition of religious freedom and tolerance. As highlighted by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the UK already has existing laws that protect individuals, including Muslims, from religious discrimination and hatred.
Creating an official definition would establish a hierarchy of religions, granting one special protection above others. Beyond silencing legitimate criticism of Islam, it would almost certainly generate resentment within communities.
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