Our letter (15th Dec 2025) to Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Re: ‘Islamophobia’/anti-Muslim hatred definition – transparency and public scrutiny of Working Group definition/recommendations

Dear Secretary of State,

We follow up on our concerns with reference to the Working Group tasked to define ‘Islamophobia’/anti-Muslim hatred and our pre-action letter dated 19^th September 2025.

We understand from media reports that the Working Group has devised a definition which has been shown to select groups external to the Working Group. We also understand that the government has dropped the word ‘Islamophobia’ and ‘Muslimness’ from any definition and is instead choosing to define ‘anti-Muslim hostility’. Although we note the terms ‘Islamophobia’ and ‘anti-Muslim’ have been used interchangeable since the Working Group was set up, so this still risks censoring criticism of religion. The implications of this are serious, and in our previous correspondence, we highlighted the example of the Boston councillor denied Mayorship based on legitimate concerns.

‘Hostility’ is also vague, and the Crown Prosecution Service indicate it is not defined in law, so is interpreted via its ordinary meaning, which includes: ‘ill-will, spite, contempt, prejudice, unfriendliness, antagonism, resentment, and dislike.’  This is replacing two words open to subjective interpretation, with another and remains cause for concern. That is if, ‘Islamophobia’ and ‘Muslimness’ have been dropped.

Any government endorsed definition will have serious social and legal implications on civil society, it may even impact social cohesion – pitting groups against one another. We therefore urge the government to be open and transparent about the definition decided upon, moreover explicitly commit that a non-statutory definition will not be adopted by public authorities, until it has faced wider public consultation, scrutiny and approval. 

We also request the government clarify what considerations have been given to the decision in the employment tribunal judgement – Lee vs Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (2025). This upholds free expression and the view that criticism of certain Islamic doctrines is valid and protected under the Equality Act 2010.

Sikh teachings promote equality for all. As we’ve previously outlined all faiths are already equally protected under law and special definitions for some groups, serves to marginalise others, perpetuating a hierarchical policy approach for different religious groups. If the government is defining ‘anti-Muslim hostility’, why is there no Working Group for Christians, Sikhs, Hindus and indeed those of no-faith?

Yours sincerely,

Network of Sikh Organisations 

[ENDS]