Labour party formally adopts definition of Islamophobia

THE Labour party has formally adopted a definition of Islamophobia, arguing it was vital to tackle the rise of far-right racism.

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

A spokesperson said the party national executive committee adopted the working definition produced by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims "to help tackle Islamophobia, build a common understanding of its causes and consequences, and express solidarity with Muslim communities."

Naz Shah MP said all political parties should adopt the definition. “This could not be more urgent, while Islamophobia has been rising in our society and across the world, and support for the far right and their extremist white supremacist views is growing," said the Labour MP for Bradford West and a shadow minister for women and equalities.

"Instead of challenging and campaigning against this hate-filled prejudice, many politicians have actively fuelled it, from the Conservatives’ overtly Islamophobic campaign against Sadiq Khan becoming mayor in 2016 to Boris Johnson’s vile comments about Muslim women.

“We must work together to rid our country of this evil, starting by urging widespread adoption of this definition so we can create deeper understanding and awareness at every level of our society,” she said.