Ex-Tory accused of creating definition of Islamophobia that was ‘a trojan horse for blasphemy law’ to chair Labour government anti-Muslim prejudice review_Nhy
A former Tory minister behind a definition of Islamophobia that critics branded a ‘trojan horse for a blasphemy law’ is to lead a review of anti-Muslim prejudice for the Labour government.
Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, will lead a working group that will come up with a new official definition of what constitutes prejudice against Muslims within the next six months.
The appointment of the former Beaconsfield MP, who was stripped of the Tory whip and deselected in 2019 for opposing Boris Johnson‘s Brexit deal, was confirmed today by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Mr Grieve wrote the foreword to a 2018 report on Islamophobia by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, co-chaired by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
Its definition, later adopted by the Labour Party, specified that Islamophobia is ‘rooted in racism’ and ‘targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness’.
In his foreword, Mr Grieve said the report was ‘an important contribution’ to the debate as to how anti-Muslim discrimination could be addressed, however some argue the definition was too wide and potentially prohibitive of legitimate criticism.
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick branded the all-party group’s analysis a ‘Trojan horse for a blasphemy law’ and the definition ‘deeply flawed’.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the committee’s work would not be legally binding but would ‘provide the government and other relevant bodies with an understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities.’
Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, will lead a team that will come up with a new official definition of what constitutes prejudice against Muslims within the next six months.
The appointment of the former Beaconsfield MP, who was stripped of the Tory whip and deselected in 2019 for opposing Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, was confirmed today by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Ms Rayner, said: ‘The rise in anti-Muslim hate crime is unacceptable and has no place in our society.
That’s why we’ve committed to defining Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia, as a crucial steps forward in tackling it and creating a society where everyone feels safe and welcome.’
And Mr Grieve added: ‘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.’
But Kevin Hollinrake, the current shadow communities secretary, said: ‘The ”Islamophobia” definition risks creating a chilling effect on free speech, legitimate and lawful debate and hindering criticism of Islamist extremism.
”’Anti-Muslim hatred” is a more appropriate term as it reflects existing UK hate crime legislation.
‘Anti-Muslim hatred, indeed any kind of hate, is abhorrent and has no place in our society or politics. No-one should ever be a victim of hatred because of their religion or belief.’
Mr Grieve was one of 21 Conservatives to have the whip withdrawn by Boris Johnson for rebelling over Brexit.
He unsuccessfully ran in his constituency as an independent candidate in the 2019 General Election.
A spokesperson for the MHCLG previously said: ‘No blasphemy laws will be introduced by this government.
The APPG definition refers to the ‘collective smear and trope being used against all British Muslims’
Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, said: ‘There is a compelling case for a clear, effective and workable definition of anti-Muslim prejudice, so the formation of this new working group is a welcome move.
‘It’s important that the new definition gets the boundaries right, in both protecting free speech and challenging prejudice.
‘It needs to be very clear that this is about stopping people being prejudiced against Muslims for being Muslims, and not protecting Islam, or any other faith, from criticism.
‘It must also be practically usable by those trying to navigate these issues in everyday life, such as teachers and other public servants.’
