Angela Rayner’s Plan for Islamophobia Council Sparks Free Speech Concerns

[Social Media]

 

Angela Rayner is moving forward with plans to establish a government advisory council on Islamophobia, aiming to create an official definition of anti-Muslim discrimination and advise ministers on tackling the issue. The 16-member council, set to be part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), has already sparked controversy, with critics warning that it could lead to restrictions on free speech and the introduction of a de facto blasphemy law.  

 

Dominic Grieve, the former Conservative attorney general and an outspoken opponent of Brexit, has been suggested as the potential chair of the council. Grieve has a history of involvement in efforts to combat Islamophobia, having chaired the Citizens’ UK Commission on Islam and contributed to a 2018 all-party parliamentary group report that attempted to define Islamophobia. That definition was later adopted by the Labour Party but faced criticism for being overly broad, with concerns that it could suppress legitimate criticism of Islam as a religion.  

 

Among those shortlisted for a position on the council is Qari Asim, a Leeds imam who was dismissed from his role as a government adviser in 2022 after supporting a ban on *The Lady of Heaven*, a film about the Prophet Mohammed’s daughter. The film's release was met with protests from some Muslim groups, leading to accusations that calls for its censorship were an attempt to enforce religious restrictions on free expression.  

 

The government has yet to confirm whether it will adopt the all-party group's 2018 definition of Islamophobia or seek an alternative, but critics are already calling for the plans to be abandoned. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has urged ministers to reject the proposal, arguing that it threatens fundamental freedoms.  

 

**"The Government should drop its plans for such a deeply flawed definition of Islamophobia. Of course, we should tackle anti-Muslim hate wherever it occurs, but this definition is a Trojan horse for a blasphemy law protecting Islam,"** Jenrick said. **"Why do Labour MPs think it is acceptable to mock Christianity but not Islam? Time and again this Labour Government displays an Orwellian disregard for freedom of speech."**  

 

The 2018 definition, developed over 18 months, describes Islamophobia as **"rooted in racism and a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness."** In his foreword to the report, Grieve welcomed the findings, stating that it **"makes an important contribution to the debate as to how Islamophobia can best be addressed. It is well researched and can give all of us food both for thought and positive action."**  

 

Despite his past endorsement, Grieve has acknowledged the difficulty of defining Islamophobia in a way that balances protecting Muslim communities from discrimination while preserving freedom of expression. **"It was apparent at the time that defining Islamophobia is extremely difficult for perfectly valid reasons relating to freedom of expression,"** he told *The Telegraph*. However, he also recognized that **"perfectly law-abiding Muslims going about their business and well integrated into society are suffering discrimination and abuse."**  

 

Rayner’s plans also include the creation of a council on anti-Semitism, though some within the Jewish community have questioned whether another advisory body is necessary.  

 

The proposed Islamophobia council comes alongside Home Office efforts to expand the recording of non-crime hate incidents related to both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. This move has raised further alarm among free speech advocates, with Policy Exchange researcher Paul Stott warning that the government appears to be leaning toward restrictive measures. **"The Government is giving off worrying vibes – that it is potentially amenable to restrictions on ‘blasphemy’ and that its mind is made up in favour of a definition of Islamophobia. If so, that is terrible news for freedom of speech,"** he said.  

 

A spokesperson for the MHCLG defended the initiative, stating: **"All forms of religious and racial hatred have absolutely no place in our society. The Government engages regularly with faith communities to help foster strong working relationships, and we are actively exploring a more integrated and cohesive approach to tackling racial and religious hatred, including Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. Further details of this work will be set out shortly."**  

 

As debate over the council intensifies, the government faces a difficult challenge in balancing the fight against discrimination with the preservation of free speech—a conflict that is unlikely to be resolved without controversy.

 

Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-05

 

 

[jippytum]

Another step to appease the Muslim community in the UK. They aready have their own courts and follow the Sharia laws of their home country. 

[baansgr]

And Muslims are the ones rapping and killing their way through White British children, yet another innocent 15 year old stabbed to death at school by one of these savages...but diversity is our strength, I can buy a roti at 2 in the morning 

[soalbundy]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Angela Rayner is moving forward with plans to establish a government advisory council on Islamophobia, aiming to create an official definition of anti-Muslim discrimination and advise ministers on tackling the issue. The 16-member council, set to be part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), has already sparked controversy, with critics warning that it could lead to restrictions on free speech and the introduction of a de facto blasphemy law.  

 

 

Dominic Grieve, the former Conservative attorney general and an outspoken opponent of Brexit, has been suggested as the potential chair of the council. Grieve has a history of involvement in efforts to combat Islamophobia, having chaired the Citizens’ UK Commission on Islam and contributed to a 2018 all-party parliamentary group report that attempted to define Islamophobia. That definition was later adopted by the Labour Party but faced criticism for being overly broad, with concerns that it could suppress legitimate criticism of Islam as a religion.  

 

Among those shortlisted for a position on the council is Qari Asim, a Leeds imam who was dismissed from his role as a government adviser in 2022 after supporting a ban on *The Lady of Heaven*, a film about the Prophet Mohammed’s daughter. The film's release was met with protests from some Muslim groups, leading to accusations that calls for its censorship were an attempt to enforce religious restrictions on free expression.  

 

The government has yet to confirm whether it will adopt the all-party group's 2018 definition of Islamophobia or seek an alternative, but critics are already calling for the plans to be abandoned. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has urged ministers to reject the proposal, arguing that it threatens fundamental freedoms.  

 

**"The Government should drop its plans for such a deeply flawed definition of Islamophobia. Of course, we should tackle anti-Muslim hate wherever it occurs, but this definition is a Trojan horse for a blasphemy law protecting Islam,"** Jenrick said. **"Why do Labour MPs think it is acceptable to mock Christianity but not Islam? Time and again this Labour Government displays an Orwellian disregard for freedom of speech."**  

 

The 2018 definition, developed over 18 months, describes Islamophobia as **"rooted in racism and a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness."** In his foreword to the report, Grieve welcomed the findings, stating that it **"makes an important contribution to the debate as to how Islamophobia can best be addressed. It is well researched and can give all of us food both for thought and positive action."**  

 

Despite his past endorsement, Grieve has acknowledged the difficulty of defining Islamophobia in a way that balances protecting Muslim communities from discrimination while preserving freedom of expression. **"It was apparent at the time that defining Islamophobia is extremely difficult for perfectly valid reasons relating to freedom of expression,"** he told *The Telegraph*. However, he also recognized that **"perfectly law-abiding Muslims going about their business and well integrated into society are suffering discrimination and abuse."**  

 

Rayner’s plans also include the creation of a council on anti-Semitism, though some within the Jewish community have questioned whether another advisory body is necessary.  

 

The proposed Islamophobia council comes alongside Home Office efforts to expand the recording of non-crime hate incidents related to both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. This move has raised further alarm among free speech advocates, with Policy Exchange researcher Paul Stott warning that the government appears to be leaning toward restrictive measures. **"The Government is giving off worrying vibes – that it is potentially amenable to restrictions on ‘blasphemy’ and that its mind is made up in favour of a definition of Islamophobia. If so, that is terrible news for freedom of speech,"** he said.  

 

A spokesperson for the MHCLG defended the initiative, stating: **"All forms of religious and racial hatred have absolutely no place in our society. The Government engages regularly with faith communities to help foster strong working relationships, and we are actively exploring a more integrated and cohesive approach to tackling racial and religious hatred, including Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. Further details of this work will be set out shortly."**  

 

As debate over the council intensifies, the government faces a difficult challenge in balancing the fight against discrimination with the preservation of free speech—a conflict that is unlikely to be resolved without controversy.

 

Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-05

 

 

What free speech? You already get a visit from the 'understaffed' police if they don't like your tweet. The Muslims already have a state within a state. Europeans in general don't like having Muslims in their community, that's the way it is, making extra hate speech laws wont make them more likable, just the opposite.

[James105]

2 hours ago, jippytum said:

Another step to appease the Muslim community in the UK. They aready have their own courts and follow the Sharia laws of their home country. 

 

Labour are such short term thinkers.  If they thought this through to its logical conclusion they would recognize they are being used by Islamists until they have the numbers to gain power for themselves.  At that point it's goodbye UK law, hello Sharia law, and a nuclear armed Islamic state within missile range of the USA.   

[JonnyF]

Blasphemy law via the back door.

 

But only for Islam obviously. Every other religion will be fair game. 

 

The takeover of the UK continues, aided and abetted by 2 Tier Keir's merry band of clowns.  

[The Old Bull]

Islam is a disease that needs to be cured.

[Thingamabob]

Labour determined, one way or another, to hold on to Muslim votes. Without them they would struggle to win in many constituencies in the UK.

[Smokey and the Bandit]

"As debate over the council intensifies, the government faces a difficult challenge in balancing the fight against discrimination with the preservation of free speech—a conflict that is unlikely to be resolved without controversy. "

 

It's very sad but. free speech in the UK is a thing of the past!

 

 

[PomPolo]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Angela Rayner is moving forward with plans to establish a government advisory council on Islamophobia

Stupid cow

[PomPolo]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Among those shortlisted for a position on the council is Qari Asim, a Leeds imam who was dismissed from his role as a government adviser in 2022 after supporting a ban on *The Lady of Heaven*, a film about the Prophet Mohammed’s daughter.

Deportation for him would be more preferable

[PomPolo]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Rayner’s plans also include the creation of a council on anti-Semitism, though some within the Jewish community have questioned whether another advisory body is necessary.

Why don't we just create an anti-british council and get it over with

[scottiejohn]

23 minutes ago, The Old Bull said:

Islam is a disease that needs to be cured.

Just like bacon?

[proton]

They wanted to get critics of Islam classed as racists, now they want them classed as haters under this made up Islamophobia banner, which is a contradiction. It will be illegal to comment on Islamic scripture or mention the disgusting life the prophet led, eg saying he married a 6 year old and raped her when she was 9 will be a crime, even though it's supported by Islamic scripture

[PomPolo]

It's a shameless half-hearted attempt to win minority votes for the next election now that Reform are polling ahead of them and are hopefully going to batter them in the next election

[phetphet]

9 minutes ago, PomPolo said:

Stupid cow

Though what you say is true, you are lucky you aren't in the UK . Otherwise you might be arrested for hurting her feelings.

 

 

[PomPolo]

8 minutes ago, phetphet said:

Though what you say is true, you are lucky you aren't in the UK . Otherwise you might be arrested for hurting her feelings.

 

 

Hahaha very true by the time I get back to the UK if it is before Reform get in it will be an offshoot of the Islamic State by that point anyways

[hotsun]

Soon it will be, free speech only if youre muslim

[seajae]

the UK is fast becoming the laughing stock of the world with their BS pandering to muslims & the woke crowd, the police force is a joke and so woke they are useless,  what was once a good place to live has become totally pathetic and run by far left idiots.

[Smokey and the Bandit]

53 minutes ago, proton said:

They wanted to get critics of Islam classed as racists, now they want them classed as haters under this made up Islamophobia banner, which is a contradiction. It will be illegal to comment on Islamic scripture or mention the disgusting life the prophet led, eg saying he married a 6 year old and raped her when she was 9 will be a crime, even though it's supported by Islamic scripture

Correct, plus he was a Warlord and killed hundreds of people!

[proton]

2 minutes ago, Smokey and the Bandit said:

Correct, plus he was a Warlord and killed hundreds of people!

 

His protection racket, collecting a tax from non muslims is said to be where the mafia got the idea from.

[Chomper Higgot]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Blasphemy law via the back door.

 

But only for Islam obviously. Every other religion will be fair game. 

 

The takeover of the UK continues, aided and abetted by 2 Tier Keir's merry band of clowns.  

Actually other religious ethnic groups enjoy legal protections against abuse.

 

That hasn’t ushered in any blasphemy laws.

 

 

[DonniePeverley]

13 minutes ago, seajae said:

the UK is fast becoming the laughing stock of the world with their BS pandering to muslims & the woke crowd, the police force is a joke and so woke they are useless,  what was once a good place to live has become totally pathetic and run by far left idiots.

 

 

So you are unhappy because you feel your ability to be racist or burn a holy book is being infringed upon ?

[DonniePeverley]

37 minutes ago, hotsun said:

Soon it will be, free speech only if youre muslim

 

 

It's about protecting minorities. I welcome it. 

 

Why should we let skinheads and racists destroy the society we have in the UK. The muslim population are not going away. So it's best we harmonise and live together. 

 

There were a raft of laws, that quite rightly protected the Jewish community too. This is about time needed. 

 

If you are a racist i can see why it would annoy you. But tough, there was an election in which Labour talked about these measures. Vote Farage and his 5 MP's , including someone who beat his girlfriend up. 

 

[Grusa]

25 minutes ago, seajae said:

the UK is fast becoming the laughing stock of the world with their BS pandering to muslims & the woke crowd, the police force is a joke and so woke they are useless,  what was once a good place to live has become totally pathetic and run by far left idiots.

And that is one of the main reasons why I am here, not there.

[hotsun]

9 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

It's about protecting minorities. I welcome it. 

 

Why should we let skinheads and racists destroy the society we have in the UK. The muslim population are not going away. So it's best we harmonise and live together. 

 

There were a raft of laws, that quite rightly protected the Jewish community too. This is about time needed. 

 

If you are a racist i can see why it would annoy you. But tough, there was an election in which Labour talked about these measures. Vote Farage and his 5 MP's , including someone who beat his girlfriend up. 

 

Jews dont kill infidels. Europe has been pretty tolerant to this point, they could learn from the racism of asian countries

[PomPolo]

1 hour ago, PomPolo said:

Stupid cow

Definitely needs a good shag if she could keep her mouth shut for long enough - that should be a good start for her blasphemy laws and the twitter police

[oxo1947]

 

Road signs Birmingham  ......

 

[Social Media]

A couple of off topic posts about Jews removed along with an inappropriate image.

[connda]

How about a council on Christianphobia or Anglophobia?