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A BRADFORD MP has spoken out in a debate on Islamophobia – saying the government is not giving the issue the attention it deserves.
As Islamophobia Awareness Month draws to a close, Bradford West MP Naz Shah told a meeting at Westminster Hall: “It is becoming a norm in society and the government is not dealing with it. with the seriousness he demands. ”
The conversation around Islamophobia escalated a decade ago when Baroness Warsi claimed she had “passed the dinner table test.” During the recent debate, Ms. Shah said: “Islamophobia has now passed the test of mainstream media.”
Two years ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised an independent investigation into Islamophobia on national television, which has yet to take place.
Currently, the issue surrounding Islamophobia concerns the collective agreement on the definition of the term.
Ms Shah said: “The government does not care and that is why Islamophobia is not fought.
“Boris Johnson’s comments on Muslim women have had consequences: there has been a 375% increase and the latest statistics show Muslims are the most targeted group in religious hate crimes. ”
The government rejected the definition proposed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
A spokesperson for the Department of Leveling, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) said: “We have always been clear that this government will not and will not tolerate anti-Muslim hatred in any form and will continue. to fight against this discrimination and intolerance.
“We are working to agree on a solid definition of Islamophobia and it is important to take the time to get it right – the one proposed by multi-party parliamentary groups is not acceptable as it would have serious consequences for freedom of movement. ‘expression.”
The MP for Bradford West stressed that the issue must be dealt with from a “top-down” approach, with ministers and members of government recognizing that their words have meaning and that meaning is powerful.
Ms Shah spoke about the situation to the Chief Superintendent of West Yorkshire Police, who is working with the Force to put measures in place to tackle religious hate crimes.
In 2019, the Bradford Council recognized that without a definition the issue would not be addressed and therefore endorsed its own definition which is: “Islamophobia is any direct or indirect act or acts of hatred and discrimination against people (individuals). or groups) of faith because of their belief and practice.
In Bradford, community organizations are working with city council to tackle Islamophobia in society.
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