Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure those giving evidence to the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, and those discussing the association of child sexual exploitation with any ethnic or other group in the media or elsewhere, are not (1) constrained, (2) abused, and (3) persecuted, by the weaponisation of the government’s definition of anti-Muslim hostility and the term ‘Islamophobia’.

The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a fully independent statutory inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005. It is for the independent Chair to determine how it takes evidence. It has full legal powers to compel evidence and protect witnesses, ensuring those who come forward can do so in a safe and appropriate way.

On 9 March 2026, this Government took the historic step of adopting a clear, non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility that protects individuals while safeguarding freedom of speech. The definition does not restrict criticism, debate or even ridicule of religious ideas – including Islam – as long as it is lawful. It also makes clear that people should always feel confident to raise concerns in the public interest.

By clearly distinguishing between lawful expression and hostility directed at individuals, the definition helps create space for open discussion of sensitive but legitimate issues.