Ministers are under pressure to ditch ‘two-tier’ plans for a new definition of Islamophobia

Ministers are under pressure to ditch ‘two-tier’ plans for a new definition of Islamophobia after an official report raised concerns about free speech.

The study ordered by the Commission for Countering Extremism found that the public do not believe Islam needs further protection – with many saying the law has already gone too far in limiting discussion. 

More than a third of voters said they self-censor their language when discussing Islam for fear of potential repercussions.

The report found that the public is broadly happy with the protections given to most religions. 

But 39 per cent of people said Islam enjoys too much protection in law, compared with just 18 per cent who think it needs more. 

‘Islam is the only religion asked about where a larger proportion of the public think it is protected too much,’ the report stated.

The findings came as a consultation closed yesterday on government plans for a new definition of Islamophobia, championed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, which critics have warned could create a blasphemy law ‘by the back door’.

MPs last night said the plan could create a ‘two-tier’ system in which people would be barred from criticising Islam in the way they can with other religions.

Ministers are under pressure to ditch ‘two-tier’ plans for a new definition of Islamophobia after an official report raised concerns about free speech. Pictured: Rioters gathered at Millfield Mosque in Sunderland after the Southport stabbings last July 

The study ordered by the Commission for Countering Extremism found that the public do not believe Islam needs further protection. Pictured: Stand Up To Racism and Stand Up To Islamophobia march in London in 2019 

The findings came as a consultation closed yesterday on government plans for a new definition of Islamophobia, championed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner (pictured earlier this year), which critics have warned could create a blasphemy law ‘by the back door’ 

In opposition, Labour signed up to a definition of Islamophobia which suggests the term ‘Asian grooming gangs‘ is racist.

Ministers established a ‘working group’ in February to create a new definition. 

Critics fear it will reach similar conclusions and warn it would have a ‘chilling effect’ on free speech if adopted. 

Tory MP Nick Timothy, who has been encouraging people to respond to the ‘rigged’ consultation, said the study underlined public concerns about the issue.

The former Downing Street chief of staff said: ‘The research shows what everyone already knows. 

‘The threat of violence, self-censorship and our new de facto blasphemy laws mean our freedom of speech is disappearing…

‘We need a government prepared to stand up before the mob, not surrender to it.’

Fellow Tory Richard Holden, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Speech, accused ministers of pandering to hardline campaigners on the issue because of the electoral threat posed to Labour by pro-Gaza independents.

MPs last night said the plan could create a ‘two-tier’ system in which people would be barred from criticising Islam in the way they can with other religions. Pictured: Far-right protesters in Sunderland in August last year, after the Southport stabbings 

Ministers established a ‘working group’ in February to create a new definition. Pictured: Residents protesting this week outside The Bell Hotel, which is currently housing migrants, in Epping, Essex  

He said: ‘No one should be subjected to bigotry or hatred and individuals are rightly protected already under the law from discrimination…

‘What we should never do, though, is allow Labour to single out a religion from challenge and debate as they try and win votes from certain communities.

‘Angela Rayner and Sir Keir Starmer must not be allowed to create a two-tier system in which Islam gets special protection while those who raise safeguarding concerns, speak plainly or make factual observations find themselves targeted, punished and ostracised.’

The Commission for Countering Extremism was set up in 2018 to provide expert advice to the Home Office on tackling extremism in society. 

The body commissioned pollsters Ipsos to conduct the survey on public attitudes towards free speech. It was published last week.

No10 has insisted it is committed to free speech and will not adopt a policy that prevents legitimate criticism of Islam.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: ‘Any working group proposal must be compatible with the unchanging right of citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression. But we also need to take a step back. 

‘Levels of Islamophobia are at a record high and the work to develop a definition of anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia is aimed at improving understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities.’