Archive · 7 Jan 2026
UK Labour's Islamophobia Definition Sparks Hindu, Sikh Concerns
The UK Labour government is proposing a new definition of anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia.
A group of experts suggested this definition, but some Hindu and Sikh leaders are worried.
They think the definition is too vague and could make it hard for people to talk about certain topics.
They are also concerned that it might limit freedom of speech and protect Islamic beliefs from criticism.
The Labour Party has a history of adopting similar definitions, which some people think are biased.
The new definition is not legally binding, but it could still affect how people discuss and understand issues related to Islam and Muslims.
The UK Labour government is proposing a new definition of anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia, submitted by a working group in October 2025.
The definition includes actions like violence, vandalism, harassment, prejudicial stereotyping, and institutional discrimination against Muslims.
Hindu and Sikh leaders have raised concerns about the definition, stating it is too vague and could limit freedom of speech.
They believe the definition conflates criticism of Islam as a belief system with hostility towards Muslims as people.
The Labour Party has a history of adopting similar definitions, which some people think are biased and could lead to the weaponisation of complaints and institutional overreach.
- Who
- UK Labour government, Hindu and Sikh communities, Working Group on Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia
- What
- Proposed definition of anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia
- When
- Draft submitted in October 2025, statement by Shaista Gohir on 15th December 2025, Hindu Council UK's letter on 29th December 2025
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- To provide guidance on what actions constitute Islamophobia or anti-Muslim hatred, but concerns raised about its potential impact on freedom of speech and minority communities
- Proposed Definition
- Anti-Muslim hostility includes violence, vandalism, harassment, prejudicial stereotyping, and institutional discrimination against Muslims.
- Working Group
- Chaired by Dominic Grieve KC, Professor Javed Khan, Baroness Shaista Gohir, Akeela Ahmed, and Asha Affi.
- Hindu Council UK's Concerns
- Lack of clarity, conflation of people with beliefs, potential infringement on freedom of expression, and de facto blasphemy laws.
- Labour Party's History
- Adopted the APPG's 2018 definition of Islamophobia, which expanded the scope of what was deemed criminal under existing legal frameworks.
- Impact on Minority Communities
- Potential suppression of discussions on historical and contemporary issues involving Islam and Muslims.
- Date of Draft Submission
- October 2025
- Date of Statement by Shaista Gohir
- 15th December 2025
- Date of Hindu Council UK's Letter
- 29th December 2025