Labour Replaces ‘Islamophobia’ with ‘Anti-Muslim Hate’ amid Free Speech Concerns

Labour Replaces ‘Islamophobia’ with ‘Anti-Muslim Hate’ amid Free Speech Concerns
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The UK Labour Party has replaced the term “Islamophobia” with “anti-Muslim hate” in its formal definition, citing concerns about limiting free speech, 5Pillars reported. The change follows a review led by former Conservative minister Dominic Grieve, who confirmed that references to “Islamophobia” and “Muslimness” were removed. Communities Secretary Steve Reed said he would reject any definition that risked restricting expression, stressing that the government would not introduce “blasphemy laws by the back door.”

Muslim advocacy groups criticised the move, arguing it weakens recognition of structural Islamophobia in British society. The UK government has yet to comment. Recent data show that anti-Muslim hate crimes now represent nearly 40% of all religiously motivated offences, with the Home Office recording 3,866 incidents in the year ending March 2024 — a 19% increase.

Tell Mama, a UK monitoring group, documented over 6,300 cases in 2024, a 43% rise from the previous year. Experts warn that the rise of far-right rhetoric, exemplified by large-scale demonstrations led by figures such as Tommy Robinson, has normalised hostility toward Muslims. Analysts say the government’s framing of Islamophobia as a free speech issue risks deepening societal divisions and fuelling further intolerance.