Anti-Muslim Hostility: Non-statutory Definition

Baroness Gohir Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for making the point about thanking the working group. This has been a very sensitive and very detailed piece of work for it to do, and I am very grateful to the working group, my honourable friend the Minister for Faith in the other place and, of course, my noble friend Lord Khan, who started working on this and did a great deal of work on it previously.

My point, which my noble friend echoed, is that if we cannot clearly define an issue, we cannot properly identify, measure or address it. A definition provides the clarity needed to respond consistently and effectively. It helps distinguish between legitimate debate—which remains fully protected—and unacceptable hostility, prejudice and discrimination directed at individuals. Very importantly, there are elements of the definition that refer to legal procedures and other elements that are aimed more at society’s acceptance that we should not be hostile towards our communities.

[Baroness Gohir (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB)]

My Lords—