UK forms working group on Islamophobia definition

The UK government has announced a working group to advise on a possible definition of Islamophobia while ensuring freedom of speech protections, Middle East Eye reported.

Chaired by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, the group includes representatives from the British Muslim Network (BMN) but excludes the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the largest Muslim umbrella body.

The group will assess the merits of a non-statutory definition addressing discrimination against Muslims while safeguarding the right to critique religious beliefs. The decision signals a shift from adopting the 2018 All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) definition, which the government previously rejected.

Critics argue that the government is bypassing established Muslim organisations like the MCB and Islamophobia watchdog Tell Mama, which faces potential closure due to funding cuts. The working group has six months to present its recommendations, though the government retains the right to disband it at any time.