‘Islamophobia’ investigation

A group of Labour MPs are seeking a formal investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into Reform UK for alleged Islamophobia.

In a letter, signed by 27 parliamentarians, including Diane Abbott and Clive Lewis, the EHRC has been asked to look into potential breaches of the Equality Act 2010 by Reform politicians.

The letter was published on X, but without the appendix referred to within it, citing examples of alleged Islamophobic comments by individuals representing Reform UK.

Former Conservative home secretary Suella Braverman, who defected to Reform in January this year, said she was named in the letter. She responded: “It is not racist to speak the truth.” Another Reform UK spokesman said: “We stand by our comments. We will not be intimidated.”

However, Tim Dieppe of Christian Concern has suggested the letter amounts to a new blasphemy code. In an online article, he said: “The letter appears to be using the APPG [All-Party Parliamentary Group] definition of Islamophobia and assuming that criticism of Muslims, or even of the Islamic faith is racist. This is precisely why the APPG definition was ruled to be in conflict with the Equality Act.

“Islam is not a race. Criticism of Islamic beliefs or practices is not racist. But these MPs don’t seem to have understood this yet.”

The APPG definition was dropped in March this year and a new non-statutory working definition of ‘anti-Muslim hostility’ introduced. However, the MPs’ letter does not refer to the new definition.

Dieppe added: “Politicians, of all people, must be free to say what they think. It is quite shocking and disturbing that a group of MPs are effectively calling for the EHRC to enforce a kind of blasphemy code on politicians in relation to Islam.”

Meanwhile, South Wales Police has “paused” new guidance instructing police officers to record anti-Islam comments that were not legitimate criticism, after pressure from the shadow minister for equalities, and a threat of legal action by the Free Speech Union (FSU).