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LONDON: A former faith minister in the UK has urged the government to fully adopt a new definition of Islamophobia to help tackle hate against Muslims.

Lord Khan, who oversaw the start of the review into the legal definition of the term, told Sky News: “I hope it’s a clear definition which reflects the terms of reference which protects people, and it’s clear.”

The government is expected to change the technical legal term to “anti-Muslim hostility” after a working group, chaired by former Conservative Minister Dominic Grieve, was tasked in February with defining “unacceptable treatment, prejudice, discrimination and hate targeting Muslims or anyone who is perceived to be Muslim.”

Lord Khan said: “There’s so many definitions out there, this is an opportunity to address the big problem in our communities.

“I would request and urge the government to adopt the definition which fits within the terms of reference on what we wanted to do when we embarked on the process.

“It’s a strong message to our communities that the work that should be done isn’t being done — these are lived experiences and I am one of those people who has suffered.”

A former working definition of Islamophobia adopted by the Labour Party in 2021 said: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”

That previous definition raised concerns that a precedent could be set for providing more protection for certain groups, which could impact more broadly on people’s free speech.

Home Office data showed a 20 percent increase in Islamophobic hate crimes last year, with Muslims the victims in almost half of all religious hate-based incidents in the UK.

Many say the lack of a clear Islamophobia definition means many more crimes go unreported.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said in a statement: “The department is carefully considering the independent Working Group’s advice on a definition of anti-Muslim hatred/Islamophobia, and no government decisions have been made.

“We will always defend freedom of speech, including fiercely protecting the right to criticise, express dislike of, or insult religions and the beliefs and practices of those who follow them. This will remain at the front of our minds as we review the definition.”