David Vance SubstackRead More
Never mind “Anarchy in the UK” – it looks like we are to have Blasphemy laws in the UK! Might this be the that triggers mass civil unrest? Let’s take a moment to figure out where things now stand and then contemplate the troublesome prospects!
The UK Labour government, under Starmer, is advancing a formal re-definition of Islamophobia—rebranded as “anti-Muslim hatred”—to combat rising discrimination against Muslims. This initiative stems from Labour’s 2019 adoption of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims’ definition:
“Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.
Drawing from the Runnymede Trust, this views Islamophobia as “anti-Muslim racism” that excludes or restricts Muslims’ participation in society, potentially violating their human rights.
In February 2025, a cross-party working group, chaired by former Vichy Conservative MP Dominic Grieve, was established to refine this definition. Basically, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner set up the group aims to provide “evidence-based advice” for a cohesive approach, rejecting the APPG version amid controversies.
Though non-legally binding, it would be influential and would impact public bodies, law enforcement, employers, and Labour’s internal processes. Behaviours flagged as Islamophobic include inciting hatred, stereotyping Muslims as threats, or deriding practices like mosque-building or Koranic reference.
See the problem with THAT? If you object to a Mosque or flag up an incendiary verse from the Koran, you are in REAL trouble. Just leave Islam and Muslims to do what they want or risk being punished by the State.
Now her consultation, extended after criticism, closed a few months back with a final definition pending. I believe this will stifle free speech by conflating criticism of Islam with racism. I also think that is the aim of it! Statements like “Islam was spread by the sword” might be labeled Islamophobic, limiting debates on extremism, grooming scandals, or cultural practices.
In the Lords, over 37 peers highlighted a “chilling effect” this will have on political discourse, potentially harming national security by muting extremism critiques. Further dangers include exacerbating social divisions. People will ask WHY is Islam alone afforded such protection?
It’s easy to see why Labour is feverishly working on this. Certain promises were made to certain “communities” ahead of the 2024 General election. Do remember that British muslims are a core voting bloc for Labour. A year has now passed and there is an expectation from these “communities” that payback is overdue.
Bringing in a Blasphemy law may please Labour’s muslim base BUT it may further lead to greater unrest. And full responsibility will lie with Labour.
Finally, can I just add that there is NO SUCH THING as Islamophobia?
Chris Hitchens summed it up wonderfully;
‘Islamophobia is ‘a word created by fascists, and used by cowards, to manipulate morons.”
