The publication of terms of reference for an investigation into Islamophobia in the Conservative Party

In response to the Conservative Party publishing the Terms of Reference for its discrimination investigation, MEND would like to reiterate that, although it welcomes the fact that an investigation is finally about to take place, it is disappointed to note that scope of the inquiry is extremely narrow and is primarily focussed on aspects of the complaints process. There is no mention of the investigation specifically examining the use of language, cultural stereotypes, or racist attitudes and behaviour. We hope that the Chair of the investigation, Professor Swaran Singh, will consider such matters when examining the nature of the complaints that are the subject of the investigation.

We also note that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has not yet been minded to initiate its own investigation into the Conservative Party, given that it is broadly satisfied with the aforementioned announcement. This is disappointing. However, we fully expect the EHRC to initiate its own investigation should this prove necessary after the investigation is published.