Statement on the UK Government’s initiative to establish an Islamophobia council

We stand united against all forms of religious hate and discrimination. It is essential to recognise that any other form of intolerance is unacceptable. Each of these prejudices erodes the fabric of our diverse society and undermines our shared values of respect, understanding, and coexistence.

While initiatives like the Council on Islamophobia are crucial in addressing specific issues faced by Muslim communities, it is vital that the UK Government does not overlook or diminish the challenges faced by other religious groups. Discrimination in any form is harmful, and all communities deserve acknowledgement and support in their struggles against hate. The UK Government’s commitment to combating religious hate must be comprehensive and inclusive. We, INSIGHT UK, call for a holistic approach that addresses all forms of religious hate equally, ensuring that every community feels valued and protected. 

It is also important to ensure that no definition of religious hate should curtail free speech and stop people from stating facts. Hence, it is extremely important that the government engages with various faith communities to create a more inclusive council that reflects the diversity of our society and focuses on all forms of religious hate.

In light of this, we appeal to the government to halt the current plan and reconsider it to ensure that efforts to combat religious hate are truly inclusive. A comprehensive, unbiased strategy—one that addresses all forms of religious hate equally, including anti-Hindu and other overlooked hate crimes—is essential to fostering a fair and just society. We appeal to the UK government to establish a Religious Hate Crime Prevention Council – a unified body that addresses all forms of religious hate equally, including anti-Hindu, antisemitic, Islamophobic, anti-Sikh, and other targeted crimes.