A new report by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) provides the most comprehensive analysis yet of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia.
Titled ‘Defining Islamophobia: A Contemporary Understanding of How Expressions of Muslimness are Targeted’, the new report gives a detailed account of how the definition has since been embraced by Muslim communities around the country. It proposes pathways for this most preeminent definition of Islamophobia to be taken up, bolstering efforts to tackle this pervasive form of racism that continues to exist. The report includes interventions from several subject matter experts.
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Treasurer of the APPG on British Muslims, who has contributed a foreword to the report, has said, “This landmark report recognises the fact we cannot wait for a party of government mired in accusations of Islamophobia to lead on this crucial issue. Instead, the report pushes this conversation forwards, bringing together all the different aspects of this definition and providing a solid evidence base to assist in the integration and embedding of this across British society.”
Ahead of the report’s release, Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said, “We need a robust way of understanding the nature and scale of Islamophobia. This report demonstrates how the APPG on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia can equip us with the starting point to better understand the issues and facilitate a means to tackle the everyday issues Muslims face. We must move this conversation forward and create pathways to action with our partners and wider society. I hope this report proves a useful resource for all of us to tackle an issue that is not just an issue for Muslim communities, but one that impacts all of society.”
