Definition of Islamophobia

Afzal Khan Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd November 2023 Commons Chamber

[Afzal Khan (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab)]

I rise to present a petition about the need for the Government to formally define Islamophobia to tackle hatred against Muslims. The all-party group on British Muslims developed a definition of Islamophobia that is supported by countless academics, community organisations, political parties, mayors, councils, trade unions and others. Last month alone there was a 600% rise in Islamophobia.

The petition states:

The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,

Declares that a formal, Government-backed definition of Islamophobia is needed; further declares that the definition by the APPG on British Muslims is more appropriate, which defines Islamophobia as “rooted in racism and a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness”; notes that this definition recognises that Muslims are subject to a system of discrimination, control and socio-economic exclusion, alongside hate crime, harassment and abuse; further notes that adopting this definition is an important first step towards tackling hatred against Muslims in Britain.

The petitioners therefore urge the House of Commons to formally adopt the APPG’s definition of Islamophobia and take further steps to tackle Islamophobia in the UK.

And the petitioners remain, etc. [P002871]