UK communities secretary Steve Reed

LONDON: Sikh, Hindu, Christian and Muslim groups have written to UK communities secretary Steve Reed calling for govt’s proposed Islamophobia definition to be “abandoned” as it would stifle free speech.The UK govt established a working group in Feb 2025 to develop a proposed definition of Islamophobia to provide govt with an understanding of prejudice against Muslim communities. The group submitted their proposal to govt in Oct. The definition, not yet published, will not be set in law but will be widely adopted across the public sector.A letter from the Hindu Council UK, Network of Sikh Organisations, Christian Concern, and Muslims Against Antisemitism and Faith Matters, says that the language used in the definition, which has been leaked, is “so vague that it is open to misuse by those who seek to limit freedom of speech”.“It is not difficult to see how criticism of halal slaughter, gender segregation or face coverings, all legitimate matters of public debate, could be captured by this definition, leading to a chilling effect on free speech. British Muslims, and the public at large, would be better served by consistent application of existing laws which treat everyone equally, not by special measures which elevate one group in society above others. We urge you to abandon this proposal,” the letter states.The leaked definition says: “Anti-Muslim hostility is engaging in or encouraging criminal acts … and harassment and intimidation whether physical, verbal, written or electronically communicated, which is directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslims… It is also the prejudicial stereotyping and racialisation of Muslims as part of a collective group with set characteristics, to stir up hatred against them, irrespective of their actual opinions… It is engaging in prohibited discrimination…”The letter points out that engaging in crime is already covered by existing laws. “As you will be aware, Muslims are not a racial group. Islam is a global religion whose adherents come from a wide range of different races. This basic fact cannot be changed by govt decree,” it adds.A spokesperson for the housing, communities and local govt ministry said: “We’ve been clear we would never consider a definition that would stifle free speech. Work around any new definition is still being considered and no decisions have been made, but this will remain at the forefront of our minds… With anti-Muslim hate incidents at a record high, we remain committed to tackling hatred.”