If Theresa May refuses to adopt the definition of Islamophobia, the message she sends to the Muslim community will be heard loud and clear - Naz Shah

Naz Shah MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, commenting on reports Theresa May is preparing to reject the definition of Islamophobia published by Muslim groups, said:

"The Conservative Party is in denial about Islamophobia and other forms of racism in its ranks, and that denial flows from the very top. If Theresa May refuses to adopt the definition of Islamophobia, the message she sends to the Muslim community will be heard loud and clear.

"It has been a great struggle to get the police to record Islamophobia as a specific crime, so it is deeply worrying to see the National Police Chiefs Council bringing terrorism into the discussion about tackling Islamophobia.

"This shows a worrying trend of seeing British Muslims through the lens of terror and security, and the Prime Minister must distance herself from this immediately."

Ends

Notes to editors

• ·         Theresa May Will Reject Calls By Muslim Groups To Define Islamophobia As A Type Of Racism https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexwickham/theresa-may-will-reject-calls-by-muslim-groups-to-define?bftwuk&utm_term=4ldqpgm#4ldqpgm