- Communities Secretary, the Rt Hon MP announces a process
for establishing a working definition of Islamophobia.
- Two experts will lead this work in close collaboration with
the cross-government Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group (AMHWG).
- Government to consider advisers’ recommendations on an
effective definition.
Communities Secretary, the Rt Hon MP has today (16 May
2019) set out the process for establishing a working definition
of Islamophobia.
Speaking during a backbench debate on the issue, Mr Brokenshire
said he welcomed the work undertaken by the All-Party
Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims
to develop a definition but confirmed that the Government will
not be adopting their proposed wording.
Speaking at the debate, the Communities Secretary agreed
that there needs to be a formal definition of Islamophobia. He
made clear that the APPGdefinition raises
practical and legal challenges.
The APPG proposal defines
Islamophobia as “a type of racism”, which is not in line with the
definition enshrined in the Equality Act 2010. The Communities
Secretary said that conflating race and religion in conflict with
legal definitions could cause confusion, undermine free speech
and may not adequately address sectarian hatred.
He announced the government will instead appoint 2 expert
advisers to lead a new study in close collaboration with the
cross-government Anti-Muslim Hatred Working
Group.
This new work will build on the definitions of Islamophobia
currently being considered, including the APPG definition. It
will also draw on a wide range of opinions, to ensure that it
commands broad support amongst Muslims.
The Rt Hon MP said:
I am deeply concerned at hatred which is directed against
British Muslims and others because of their faith or heritage.
This is utterly unacceptable and does not reflect the values of
our country.
To get a firmer grip on the nature of this bigotry and division
we agree there needs to be a formal definition of Islamophobia
to help strengthen our efforts.
I know that there are strong feelings on this issue. That’s why
I’m announcing the appointment of 2 experts to work closely
with the cross-government Working Group, to thoroughly examine
the options available to us that ensures wide-ranging
acceptance and will have the positive effect intended.
Input from the Working Group is an essential part of informing
our approach to combatting religiously motivated hatred,
supporting victims and holding perpetrators to account. Their
work on this important task will be invaluable.
Formed in 2012, the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group comprises
independent experts, academics and Muslim community
representatives. It provides crucial advice and challenge to the
government, to ensure that policies meet the needs of
communities.
The process for appointing the 2 advisers will begin shortly.
This government has done more than any other to tackle
anti-Muslim hatred. This includes:
- Funding of Tell MAMA, a dedicated
third-party reporting organisation that offers victim support.
Between 2016 and 2020 we will have provided the organisation with
£2.5 million to raise awareness on anti-Muslim hatred and to
increase reporting of hate crimes.
- Supporting and refreshing the cross-government working group
on anti-Muslim hatred, which includes a broad range of
representation of eminent community representatives, academics,
and hate crime practitioners to advise and challenge the
government on tackling Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime.
- Ensuring for the first time, that police forces, are required
to disaggregate religious hate crime data to allow us to better
identify Islamophobia.
- Doubling the Places of Worship
Fund to £1.6 million – to physically protect mosques
and other places of worship and reassure our communities – and
making it easier for people to apply for this funding from July
2019.
- A new £5 million fund to provide security training and a
consultation on what more can be done to protect faith
communities.
