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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Khan of Burnley on 11 April (HL6313), whether they will answer the question put, namely whether the planned definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia will allow for ridicule or abuse of Islamic beliefs and practices.

All forms of discrimination and hate crime are completely unacceptable, and the Government is committed to tackling this wherever it manifests. Our efforts to build a country of tolerance and inclusion apply to people of all faiths and none.

The most recent police-recorded hate crime statistics showed that almost 2 in 5 religious hate crimes target Muslims, which is why we have established a working group to provide rapid advice to the Government. Working group members have been selected for their technical expertise, experience and ability to work to deliver the group’s objectives. The group will consult with a wide variety of stakeholders to ensure that the voices of all relevant stakeholders are heard and considered.

The proposed definition will advise the Government and other bodies on the appropriate language to describe, understand and define unacceptable treatment, prejudice, discrimination and hate targeting Muslims or anyone who is perceived to be Muslim. It must also be compatible with the unchanging right of British citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression. The initial advice the working group produces will be private however once the Government has had time to review the advice, it will consider its next steps.