A new parliamentary working group was launched in February 2025 to define Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred in the UK, at a time when hate crimes against Muslims have reached record levels.
The public consultation that closed on 20 July asked for views on the need for a clear definition, appropriate terminology, whether racism should be part of the definition, and real-life examples of Islamophobia. The goal, the government says, is to better understand and define prejudice, discrimination and hate crime targeted against Muslims in the UK.
Led by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve KC, the group includes representatives from Muslim communities, academics, and independent experts. Key members include Professor Javed Khan of the Equi think tank, Baroness Shaista Gohir of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, Akeela Ahmed of the British Muslim Network, and independent consultant Asha Affi.
The working group has been given a six-month mandate, with findings expected to be delivered to the government by September 2025.
Debate over the definition
For many in the British Muslim community, the move is long overdue. They hope it will help bring attention to the challenges Muslims face, improve community relations, and guide public bodies in responding to discrimination.
But the proposal has sparked debate. Critics argue a formal definition could infringe on free speech or give Muslims "special protections." Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake warned it could resemble a “blasphemy law.” Others, such as Nick Timothy, have encouraged people to oppose the definition, calling it a threat to free expression.
Hindu Council UK (HCUK) has also voiced concerns that the council “comprising of some Muslims only”, may bring in Islamism into the UK as a matter of policy. “This will harm not only the Hindus, but we believe the 99% of likeminded Muslims too”, according to HCUK.
“We had advised that the Islamophobia definition should be debated by all faiths and recommended to bring back Sir Tony Blair’s integrative Faith Communities Consultative Council as a way to do that, but Angela Raynor seems to be sidelining us and our suggestions altogether”, the organisation added.
Supporters, however, stress the group’s work is not legally binding. Majid Iqbal, CEO of the Islamophobia Response Unit, emphasised the importance of using the term Islamophobia rather than anti-Muslim hatred, arguing the former captures deeper structural and institutional discrimination, not just individual hate crimes.
“A hate crime is different. Anti-Muslim hate covers specific acts of violence or abuse. Islamophobia also includes irrational fear, stereotyping, and systemic bias,” he said, pointing to recent public comments and media portrayals as examples of this.
Politics in the complex mix, Labour under scrutiny
A recent opinion poll suggests that introducing a formal definition of Islamophobia could significantly impact Labour's electoral support. Conducted by JL Partners with 2,000 respondents, the survey initially found Reform UK polling at 29% and Labour at 23%, which would translate to a Reform majority of 20 seats in a general election.
However, when participants were asked how they would vote if Labour implemented an official definition of Islamophobia, Reform’s support rose to 30% while Labour dropped to 20%; projecting a 106-seat majority for Reform.
The backlash, according to some observers, stems from a growing belief that mass immigration is eroding national identity and social cohesion, particularly through the arrival of individuals perceived to allegedly resist integration. Tensions have also been inflamed by public anger over historic failures to confront grooming gangs, often involving men of Pakistani Muslim heritage, who targeted vulnerable white girls.
A recent report by Baroness Casey suggested that authorities had, at times, hesitated to act decisively due to fears of being labelled racist. Critics argue the government remains reluctant to fully acknowledge or address these concerns, deepening public distrust.
Exclusion of key Muslim voices?
Controversially, some major Muslim organisations, including the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), claim they were excluded from the consultation.
According to a spokesperson, “Neither the communities ministry nor the working group reached out to the MCB. But we are still encouraging our grassroots members to contribute.”
The MCB, representing over 500 affiliated mosques, schools and charities, has long had a strained relationship with successive governments, which have followed a policy of non-engagement with the body since 2009.
The MCB criticised what it called “cancel culture politics” and urged the government to engage with communities authentically.
