Harun Nasrullah
The Labour Party pledged legal reforms to guard Muslim communities against rising Islamophobia rates at two Eid al-Adha receptions earlier this month.
Speaking at an Eid reception co-hosted by the British Muslim Friends of Labour on July 11, Labour Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, said that it “is abhorrent that 42 per cent of religious hate crimes are targeted at Muslims” and vowed that the next Labour government will introduce an updated Race Equality Act.”
He added: “Labour will strengthen the law so that every category of hate crime is treated as an aggravated offence. It is important to tackle Islamophobia not only in society but also in our ranks in the Party.
This is why we have a code of conduct on Islamophobia, Islamophobia awareness training, a new independent complaints process, and an Islamophobia complaints handbook.”
In contrast to the incumbent Conservative government, the only political party in the country not to adopt the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia, Starmer vowed to the members of the Muslim community gathered at Labour HQ that under his leadership, “a future Labour Government will stand up for the rights of Muslims, and work to ensure Muslim communities feel safe, secure, and respected.”
At an earlier Eid reception held in Parliament on July 4, co-hosted by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Labour parliamentarians and councillors addressed how faith groups are pioneering inclusive outreach to communities, addressing larger themes of inclusion, engagement, and belonging for the most isolated, vulnerable, and socially marginalised people.
The Mayor of London said, “It was wonderful to be able to celebrate Eid in the company of so many members of the community, including some of our brilliant Muslim Labour representatives from across the country. Eid is a truly blessed day when we come together with family, friends, and loved ones.
“And in these testing times, when so many are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, it’s been inspiring to see how our Muslim communities are stepping up to help those experiencing hardship across the country. From organising community kitchens to collecting food and clothes banks, we’ve seen the best of our communities over the last few months.
So as Mayor of London, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Muslim communities not only for the contributions they make to our city and country but for showing that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.”
Labour’s National Campaign Co-Ordinator, Shabana Mahmood, who was present at both events, said, “I had a fantastic evening at the Eid Celebration in Keir’s office.
“It was brilliant to meet so many Muslim business owners and community leaders. It highlighted the amazing contribution they make to their local communities across the country.
“The event was a great reminder of the special bond between our community and the Labour Party, as well as the importance of diversity and strong interfaith work for our movement.”
Shadow Secretary for Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds, said, “The last Labour Government passed pioneering legislation to advance the cause of equality. The next will break new ground with a Race Equality Act to tackle structural racism that scars our society, from housing and employment to criminal justice and health.”
Photo: Top: Shadow Secretary for Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds MP. Below: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Labour’s National Campaign Coordinator, Shabana Mahmood MP (Credit: Tom Pullen/Labour Party)
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