Only one fifth of the public backs creating either a new definition of Islamophobia or of anti-Muslim hate, according to the survey of 1,500 adults.
Labour has tried to shift the emphasis of the definition from Islamophobia to ‘anti-Muslim hatred’ in face of a major backlash, with critics warning that it will threaten free speech.
The change in tone was evident in the Commons on Wednesday at Prime Minister’s Questions when Sir Keir Starmer chose to use the term “anti-Muslim hatred” rather than Islamophobia.
However, the survey by pollsters JL Partners found that around a third opposed both definitions and only a fifth supported either of them, indicating that any change in terminology will make no difference to public opinion.
Some 36% said that a new definition of Islamophobia was a wholly or somewhat “bad” thing, while 20% said it was wholly or somewhat a “good” thing.
Meanwhile, 31% said that a new definition using the term anti-Muslim hatred was a wholly or somewhat “bad” thing, while one in five (20%) said it was wholly or somewhat a “good” thing.
A working group was originally set up to draw up an official definition of Islamophobia. However it has reportedly removed all references to Islamophobia or Muslimness in its final report, which is now before ministers.
Instead, it is said to have opted to use the term “anti-Muslim hate” in an attempt to counter fears that the use of Islamophobia could restrict free speech....<<<Read More>>>...