Unite the Kingdom March

Lord Singh of Wimbledon Excerpts

Wednesday 20th May 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

The right to criticise religion is perfectly acceptable and in order. But again, I put it to the noble Lord that those rights to criticise also come with responsibilities. There is a clear definition in law about what is regarded as abuse, what is discrimination and what is intimidation and harassment. In both cases, if such instances are determined by the police, then the police will take action and, as on Saturday, arrests will be made. Some arrests were made in relation to the noble Lord’s question and some were in relation to the initial demonstration raised by the noble Lord, Lord Mohammed of Tinsley, so the police act fairly and the legislation is set down. I want to see a fair and open society where people can enjoy their religion and criticise political activity and/or religion, as well as states, at will, but within a limit.

[Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Hussein-Ece (LD)]

My Lords—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, it is the turn of the Cross Benches next; then we will go to the Liberal Democrat Benches.

[Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB)]

My Lords, all communities seen as different experience prejudice. There are no comparative statistics, properly gathered, to show that one community suffers more than others from this hate crime. It is visible difference that is the causing factor. Does the Minister agree that all communities should be protected equally and that there should not be a special difference set aside for one community, such as the definition of anti-Muslim hate crime? Why not anti-Sikh, anti-Hindu or anti-Buddhist hate crime? Does he further agree that the law already protects different communities? It is already there in law, and if other communities are hurt, that should also be looked at.