Islamophobia

Prejudice against Muslims is a real and growing issue in Britain and it is unacceptable whoever it comes from.

Sadly no political party is entirely free of racism: none of our major parties can afford to be complacent about Anti-Muslim prejudice any more than they can afford to be complacent about Anti-Semitism.

It was revealed this week that the Conservative party has suspended a number of members who appear to have made or liked posts on social media which exhibited prejudice against Muslims.

That behaviour is not acceptable and has no place in the party, so it was and will remain essential in any such case that firm action was taken and seen to be taken.

Earlier this year the government set out proposals to arrive at a new working definition of Islamophobia.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the issue, the then Communities secretary James Brokenshire said he welcomed the work undertaken by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims to develop a definition.

He agreed that there does there does need to be a formal definition of Islamophobia. To achieve this the government would 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.

James Brokenshire 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 two experts to work closely with the cross-government Working Group, to thoroughly examine the options available to us that ensures wide-ranging acceptance."
  • "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.

Speaking for myself, I am proud of the fact that I successfully proposed, in a non-partisan manner which was able to obtain all-party support, that Cumbria County Council should adopt the IHRA working definition of Anti-Semitism.

I said while proposing that motion that there are other forms of prejudice which are also very worrying and called out prejudice against Muslims as one of them.

I hope that the government's initiative earlier this year will soon enable us to reach a place where there is a broadly accepted working definition of Islamophobia with support from the Muslim community.

When that happens I hope and fully intend to propose that Cumbria County Council adopts this too.

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