UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Housing Secretary Steve Reed says Labour will reject any Islamophobia definition that curbs free speech, saying people “don’t have a right not to be offended.”
As reported by The Telegraph, Steve Reed warns Labour may reject any Islamophobia definition if it acts as a “backdoor blasphemy law.”
Following the Hamas attacks on October 7, ministers have commissioned guidance on an official definition of anti-Muslim hatred.
A working group led by former Conservative minister Dominic Grieve will recommend how the government should classify discrimination.
Campaigners warn that tighter Islamophobia rules could restrict free speech and fuel community tensions through “two-tier” enforcement.
What did Steve Reed say about protecting free speech in Islamophobia rules?
Communities Secretary Steve Reed said he may overrule Dominic Grieve if an Islamophobia definition restricts free speech.
He stated,
“We haven’t got a definition to introduce yet. There’s a group working on it and we’ll have to look at what they propose. But at the front of my mind in taking that decision will be I will defend free speech.”
He succeeded Angela Rayner this month, insisting free speech “must come first” and arguing that “people don’t have a right not to be offended.”
Mr Reed said,
“I’m not going to bring in blasphemy laws by the back door.”
He added,
“So let’s wait and see what the independent group comes up with and then we’ll take a view. But if people are concerned about it, there will be no infringement of free speech whatsoever.”
The review follows a rise in anti-Muslim incidents since the conflict started in Gaza.
What are the concerns over the 2018 Islamophobia definition and free speech?
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner condemned attacks on British Muslims as “unacceptable” and vowed to ensure “everyone feels safe and welcome.”
A 2018 Islamophobia definition, rejected by the Tories but adopted by Labour, has faced criticism for being so broad that it could act as a “blasphemy law” and restrict legitimate criticism of Islam.
It defines Islamophobia as
“a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness”.
Activists warn that an official Islamophobia definition could create a “two-tier” system of policing and government action.
Some insist racism definitions should focus on colour, nationality, or ethnicity, not “expressions” of religion.
Mr Grieve also reportedly expressed doubts about the need for a formal definition during discussions with ministers. Officials will have the final say if he proposes an official definition.
Labour aims to use the non-binding definition to guide authorities on handling discrimination cases.
Free Speech Union’s views on Labour’s Islamophobia definition
The Free Speech Union has opposed the plan, calling it a move that could “exacerbate community tensions.”
The group stated,
“We already have laws in this country that protect people from religious hatred, as well as laws protecting people of all faiths from discrimination.”
They added,
“The way to protect Muslims is to enforce those statutes, not to introduce a Muslim blasphemy law by the back door. Introducing special protections for one religious group would be an affront to the principle that everyone should be equal in the eyes of the law.”
APPG’s definition of Islamophobia
According to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims,
“Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”
Anti-muslim incidents in the UK
Tell Mama reported nearly 11,000 anti-Muslim hate reports in 2023-24, of which 9,600 were verified. Police data reveal Muslims were the most targeted group (38%) in religious hate crimes in England and Wales. Jews were the second most targeted group (33%) in the same period.
Major incidents include the Gaza conflict Oct 2023 and the Southport murders in July 2024. There have been recent far-right threats, including neo-Nazis planning attacks on mosques.