Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of not having an official definition of Islamophobia on the effectiveness of the policing of non-crime hate incidents.

We are actively considering our approach to Islamophobia including any potential new definition. A new definition of Islamophobia must be given careful consideration, so it comprehensively covers multiple perspectives and considers potential implications for different communities and how it may affect the policing of non-crime hate incidents.

The Home Office has agreed that the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), supported by the College of Policing, will conduct a review on the use and effectiveness of NCHIs. The review will cover when the police should record information that has not reached the criminal threshold, but which is still deemed necessary to monitor community tensions and keep the public safe, It will also take into account the fundamental right of freedom of expression and recent court ruling in this area. The Government welcomes this review and will work closely with the NPCC and the College as they develop their findings and any proposals on this issue.