Labour is currently considering adopting a contentious definition of Islamophobia, sparking concerns about potential implications for free speech. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his deputy, Angela Rayner, are exploring various perspectives on whether to endorse a formal description of anti-Muslim prejudice. While the proposed definition wouldn’t be legally binding, organisations would be encouraged to adopt it like the anti-Semitism definition accepted under Theresa May’s government in 2016.

Proponents argue that a clear definition is necessary amid rising anti-Muslim sentiment, especially following recent attacks targeting mosques. Notably, Labour had previously supported the adoption of a definition of Islamophobia developed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, which describes Islamophobia as a form of racism targeting expressions of “Muslimness.”

Kemi Badenoch, the shadow communities secretary, has advocated for using the term “anti-Muslim hatred” instead, arguing that it more accurately reflects both religious freedom and the need for lawful criticism of religion.

However, critics have expressed their fear that the definition could serve as a “blasphemy law” by stifling legitimate criticism of Islam. Public figures like Lord Pickles and Bob Blackman worry about the importance of preserving the freedom to critique religion, with Blackman warning that this could inadvertently lead to the creation of a ‘blasphemy law’. Additionally, former counter-terrorism chief Neil Basu cautioned that such a definition could interfere with counter-terrorism efforts by enabling suspects to challenge investigations as “Islamophobic.”

Labour, having already accepted the APPG’s definition internally, will need to navigate these complex issues as it considers whether to move forward with a formal adoption.