Labour warned against introducing a ‘blasphemy law’ by adopting an official definition of Islamophobia after far-right riots

Labour has been warned against inadvertently introducing a ‘blasphemy law’ by adopting an official definition of Islamophobia.

Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner are weighing up a ‘range of views’ on introducing a formal description of anti-Muslim hatred.

It follows recent rioting in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack, which saw far-right thugs target mosques across the country.

In 2016, former PM Theresa May‘s government formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism.

The definition is not legally binding but was described as an ‘important tool’ for criminal justice agencies and other public bodies.

But, while in office, the Tories did not similarly adopt a definition of Islamophobia.

They said one proposed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims was not ‘broadly accepted’ and expressed concerns about the impact on free speech.

According to the Telegraph, the new Labour Government is considering adopting an official definition of Islamophobia having supported such a move while in opposition.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which is headed by Ms Rayner, told the newspaper it was committed to tackling all forms of hatred ‘including Islamophobia’.

Asked if it will adopt a working definition, it said: ‘We will take into account a range of views and outline any updates on the Government’s position in relation to this in due course.’

Labour has adopted the APPG definition of Islamophobia in its own party code of conduct.

But senior Tories warned there was not yet a definition that was ‘satisfactory’ and expressed concerns about impinging on the freedom to criticise religion.

Lord Pickles, a former communities secretary, said: ‘A definition of anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia is a very good idea and everybody agrees it should be done.

‘The problem is that there’s nothing out there that is really satisfactory.

‘Many a minister has started out with a good intention of doing this and they’ve just found themselves completely bogged down with unexpected and unpredictable consequences.

‘I don’t think this is impossible to do, I just think it’ll be quite difficult – above all, don’t rush it.’

Bob Blackman, the chairman of the 1922 Committee, said: ‘I’m very much in favour of saying we have to outlaw anti-Muslim hatred.

‘There is the problem of not wanting to get to a point whereby there’s a so-called blasphemy law.

‘We’ve always said there should be a definition of anti-Muslim hatred. Legitimate criticism of a religion should not be considered to be outside of the law.’

In February – as the Tories faced an ‘Islamophobia’ row over comments made by Ashfield MP Lee Anderson about London mayor Sadiq Khan – then equalities minister Kemi Badenoch set out the Conservative government’s opposition to the APPG definition.

She said: ‘We use the term ‘Anti-Muslim hatred’. It makes clear the law protects Muslims.

‘In this country, we have a proud tradition of religious freedom AND the freedom to criticise religion.

‘The definition of ‘Islamophobia’… creates a blasphemy law via the back door if adopted.’