Angela Rayner’s proposal for an official definition of Islamophobia has been slammed as creating a blasphemy law “by the back door”. Alarm bells were first raised earlier this year, when Labour established an independent working group, chaired by former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve KC, to advise on a definition of anti-Muslim hatred/Islamophobia.
The Deputy Prime Minister appointed a panel to draw up a new definition to be applied across the public sector, despite fears it will prevent politicians speaking up about Asian grooming gangs. It comes after she extended the deadline and widened a public consultation on the proposals to July 20. Now a survey of 2,000 people has found that Labour polls significantly worse among voters who are told about the Islamophobia plan, with free speech campaigners already vocal in condemning the plan.
Critics have warned it could create a blasphemy law “by the back door”. Meanwhile MPs last night voiced concerns that it would create a “two-tier” system in which people would be barred from criticising Islam in the way they can with other religions.
Before voters were told about the proposal, Reform polled 29%, Labour 23%, Conservatives 17%, and the Liberal Democrats 14%, reports The Telegraph.
But when the people polled were asked how they would vote if Labour brought in a definition of Islamophobia, Reform rose by one point to 30% and Labour fell three points to 20%.
Tory MP Nick Timothy, who has been encouraging people to respond to the “rigged” consultation, said the study underlined public concerns about the issue.
The former Downing Street chief of staff warned that our “freedom of speech is disappearing”.
He said: “The research shows what everyone already knows.
“The threat of violence, self-censorship and our new de facto blasphemy laws mean our freedom of speech is disappearing…
“We need a government prepared to stand up before the mob, not surrender to it.”
The working group – chaired by Dominic Grieve, a former Tory cabinet minister – is meeting in secret and members of the public will not be able to offer their views.
Claire Coutinho, the shadow equalities minister, has said a “culture of secrecy around matters relating to race and religion” was a key factor enabling “gangs of men to groom, rape, and torture young girls with impunity”.