THE UK has initiated a review led by former Conservative party minister Dominic Grieve to establish a working definition of Islamophobia, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner announced.
Grieve, who previously served as attorney general, will bring his legal and government expertise to the role, which is part of a broader effort to address the record-high number of anti-Muslim hate crimes in 2024.
"The rise in anti-Muslim hate crime is unacceptable and has no place in our society," said Rayner, who also serves as secretary of state in the ministry of housing, communities and local government.
"That's why we've committed to defining Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia, as a crucial step forward in tackling it and creating a society where everyone feels safe and welcome."
The working group has been tasked with delivering a definition within six months. They will advise the government on how to understand, quantify and define prejudice, discrimination, and hate crime targeted against Muslims.
Grieve acknowledged the challenges ahead: "We know Islamophobia is as challenging to define as its existence is undoubted. We need to balance addressing the lived experience of those who are victims of it and the right of British Muslims to feel heard and protected as equal citizens of our country, with the unwavering requirement to maintain freedom of thought and expression under law for all."
The ministry stressed that the working group will engage widely to ensure the definition accounts for the variety of backgrounds and experiences of Muslim communities across the UK. The proposed definition will be "non-statutory" and must be compatible with citizens' rights to freedom of speech and expression.
However, some religious groups have expressed concerns. The Network of Sikh Organisations UK cautioned against "serious implications on free speech, not least the ability to discuss historical truths," while suggesting the government is creating "a two-tier hierarchy when it comes to religions."
British Hindu groups have also raised concerns. Dipen Rajyaguru, director of diversity & equality at the Hindu Council UK, said that "the selective focus on protecting one religious group over others disregards the historical injustices, threats, and discrimination faced by Hindus and other communities."
A previous attempt to define Islamophobia by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019 was shelved by the then Tory government due to a lack of agreement.
(PTI)
