The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) unequivocally opposes the government’s newly announced working group tasked with creating a definition of “Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia.” While the NJA stands firmly against all forms of anti-Muslim hatred, this initiative is a dangerous and misguided step that risks undermining fundamental principles of free speech, open debate, and democratic accountability.
The NJA raised these same concerns in 2024 when similar proposals emerged, warning that such definitions are invariably vague, politically charged, and weaponised to stifle legitimate criticism. Our full statement on that can be found here.
History has shown that “Islamophobia” definitions, even when presented as non-statutory, inevitably lead to chilling effects on public discourse, targeting those who express legitimate concerns about Islamist extremism, human rights abuses in Muslim-majority countries, or theocratic political ideologies. The public must remain free to criticise religion – any religion – without fear of reprisal, censorship, or legal sanction.
Far from protecting vulnerable communities, enshrining an ill-defined concept of “Islamophobia” risks elevating an ideological shield around certain beliefs and practices, shielding them from scrutiny while silencing critical voices, including ex-Muslims, reformists, and human rights advocates. This is fundamentally incompatible with the UK’s proud tradition of free expression.
Moreover, the NJA remains deeply concerned that groups with troubling links to extremism and theocratic regimes have long sought to advance such definitions to shut down opposition. The government must ensure it is not inadvertently empowering those who conflate opposition to extremism with anti-Muslim bigotry.
As we have consistently maintained, anti-Muslim hatred is real and must be tackled using existing hate crime laws. But Britain does not need thought-policing definitions that blur the line between genuine bigotry and free inquiry.
The NJA urges the government to abandon this unnecessary and divisive project and focus on enforcing existing laws that protect all citizens – Muslims, Jews, and others alike – from hatred and violence, without eroding our most basic freedoms.
For further information, please contact: office@nja.org.uk
