Kemi Badenoch claims Labour's definition of Islamophobia will create 'blasphemy law'; if passed Photo: Henry Nicholls/Reuters
Downing Street confirmed the government's refusal to support the definition of Islamophobia proposed by the cross-party parliamentary group on British Muslims and adopted by Labor in 2019 as «an important statement of principle and solidarity.»
“But, as I said, we have always been clear that this government does not and will not tolerate anti-Muslim hatred.”
Mr Sunak condemned Mr Anderson's comments as «wrong» and «unacceptable», but a refusal to call them Islamophobic led Sir Keir Starmer, the Labor leader, to say the Prime Minister was «too weak» to «call it out on this so.»
The Lib Dems have also called on Mr Sunak to go further. Daisy Cooper, deputy leader, said: “The failure of Rishi Sunak and his ministers to properly condemn Lee Anderson’s extreme remarks shows how far the Conservative Party has fallen.”
“Rishi Sunak needs to condemn Anderson’s remarks for what they are.” are Islamophobic and racist, and make it clear that he will not be allowed back into the Conservative Party.»
Ms Badenoch said Labor risked creating a «blasphemy law» with a definition of Islamophobia and said it was best to use the term «anti-Muslim hatred» to protect both religious freedom and the «freedom to criticize religion».
Anneliese Dodds, Labour's shadow equalities minister, accused senior Tories of failing to «cause Islamophobia» after Mr Anderson's suspension, suggesting it was because the party refused to «accept the definition used by anyone else major political party in Britain.»
However, Ms Badenoch suggested such a line could threaten the «freedom to criticize religion» and said Labour's definition was «not consistent with the law as written.»
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She wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
We use the term “anti-Muslim hatred.” This makes it clear that the law protects Muslims. In this country we have a proud tradition of religious freedom AND freedom to criticize religion.
The definition of “Islamophobia” she uses would create a blasphemy law through the back door if it were to pass. https://t.co/lhHdSbs6Kz
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) February 25, 2024
Link to a letter sent to Sajid Javid when he was Home Secretary in which dozens of signatories claimed that the entire All-Party Parliamentary Group's Definition of Islamophobia «threatens civil liberties», Ms Badenoch added: «Anti-Muslim hatred is more accurate and better reflects UK law, as others have noted.»
The Cabinet Minister responded. to Ms Dodds' tweet.
Mr Khan accused Mr Sunak of «inciting anti-Muslim hatred within the Conservative Party». Mr Anderson admitted his initial remarks were «clumsy» but said apologizing «would be a sign of weakness».
Sunak is “too weak”; label Lee Anderson's remarks as Islamophobic, says Starmer Read more
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