Angela Rayner to create Islamophobia council as major free speech row looms - 'Trojan horse for a blasphemy law!'

The group will sit within Rayner's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), with Grieve set to be appointed thanks to his history of working to combat "anti-Muslim hate".

He chaired the Citizens' UK Commission on Islam, a group which aimed to promote dialogue between Muslim and non-Muslim communities, and wrote a foreword to a controversial all-party parliamentary group's (APPG's) 2018 report which established a definition of Islamophobia, which the Labour Party went on to adopt.

The APPG warns that "Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness".

But the definition has raised concerns over free speech, with opponents warning it is so widely-drawn that it amounts to a de facto blasphemy law and blocks legitimate criticism of Islam.

One of said opponents is Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, who said: "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.

READ NEXT:

• 'We fought for the right to blaspheme!' Brendan O'Neill pours scorn on Labour's bid to define Islamophobia
• Islam leader claims mosques are promoting ideas of 'superiority" and 'supremacy'
• Britain becomes 'western capital' for sharia law courts as 85 open throughout the UK

"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."

Grieve had said said he "greatly welcomed" the 2018 report in his foreword, writing that it "makes an important contribution to the debate as to how Islamophobia can best be addressed", adding: "It is well researched and can give all of us food both for thought and positive action".

When probed on Rayner's council by The Telegraph, Grieve said he had not yet received a formal approach from MCHLG - but added: "If I can be of assistance in doing something constructive requested by any Government on a non-party political basis I am willing to consider it.

"It depends on what it is and whether I can add value and help the wider public service.

"It was apparent at the time that defining Islamophobia is extremely difficult for perfectly valid reasons relating to freedom of expression."

However, Grieve added that it was clear that "perfectly law-abiding Muslims going about their business and well integrated into society are suffering discrimination and abuse".

Rayner is also said to be proposing a council on antisemitism, in the face of concerns within the Jewish community that another body is not needed.

Paul Stott, who co-authored a Policy Exchange report on extremism last week, said: "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."

A MHCLG spokesman said: "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 antisemitism. Further details of this work will be set out shortly."