MEND STATEMENT: Government must not water down definition of Islamophobia

MEND notes with alarm that recent leaks in the media suggest that instead of publishing its much-awaited definition of Islamophobia, the government may instead produce a definition of “anti-Muslim hostility.” While this is intended to reassure concerns around freedom of expression, such a shift risks stripping the definition of its recognition as a distinct form of racialised religious discrimination – a red line for MEND.

As we made clear in our submission to Parliament over the matter, Islamophobia is not only hostility toward Muslims; it is a structural and societal form of discrimination that intersects with race, ethnicity and religion. Any definition that omits this racialised dimension will fail to reflect the lived experiences of British Muslim communities.

Community buy-in will depend upon the government acknowledgment – enshrined in the definition – that Islamophobia is a tangible and pervasive form of prejudice that permeates our institutions and systems, from education, employment, public places and online spaces.

Reports indicate that debate over whether race should be explicitly referenced and whether practical examples of what Islamophobia looks like in action should be included. MEND robustly supports including both. Recognising the racialised nature of Islamophobia is essential for an effective definition, and real-world examples of anti-Muslim hostility provide clarity, demonstrating what constitutes discrimination and what does not. Without these elements, the definition risks being incomplete, half-baked and lacking credibility.

MEND remains committed to constructive engagement with the government to ensure the final definition is strong, inclusive and reflective of the lived experiences of Muslim in modern Britain. We will oppose any attempt to water down and redefine Islamophobia in a way that diminishes its racialised dimension, restricts its scope, or fails to protect the communities most affected.

The fight against Islamophobia requires honesty and courage. We urge the government to deliver a definition that genuinely safeguards Muslim communities and confronts this urgent societal challenge.