The speaker outlines the need for the UK Government to adopt a formal definition of Islamophobia similar to that proposed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims. He emphasises the importance of recognising Islamophobia as an issue distinct from general anti-Muslim hate, and calls for immediate government action, including the appointment of an independent adviser on Islamophobia and additional funding to tackle rising levels of discrimination.

Mr Bristow spoke about his commitment to representing Muslim constituents, acknowledging the APPG definition of Islamophobia as solid and urging the Government to adopt it. He highlighted positive contributions of Muslims to society and economy, including charitable work during the pandemic. Mr Bristow also addressed everyday examples of Islamophobia in housing and insurance markets and shared insights from constituent feedback on the issue.

Mr. Slaughter emphasised the significant number of hate crimes against Muslims in his constituency, noting that Muslims constitute about 13.5% of Hammersmith's population, with 44% of all national hate crimes targeting them. He highlighted various incidents including attacks on mosques and abuse towards women wearing headscarves. Mr. Slaughter also discussed the lack of prayer space and community resources for Muslim communities and mentioned recent attacks on a Palestinian mission in his area, which lacks diplomatic protection despite its critical role. He called for increased awareness, education, punishment of perpetrators, and funding to address Islamophobia.

Mr. Gale advised speakers to limit their speeches to around eight minutes each to accommodate all participants and the following debate.

Advocated for international freedom of religion or belief, expressing concern about the rise in anti-Muslim hatred. Cited statistics showing a significant increase in incidents against Muslim communities compared to Jewish communities over recent years. Criticised the Government's lack of funding specifically for tackling anti-Muslim hate and called for the appointment of an independent adviser on Islamophobia similar to that for antisemitism.

Intervened, suggesting that Muslims are held to a different standard when it comes to criticism, implying that Islamophobia has become acceptable and is emboldened by inaction from those who could challenge it.

Suggested that the Government never had any intention of engaging with Qari Asim, an independent adviser on Islamophobia, as evidenced by his removal after only a year and the lack of terms of reference provided to him.

Described the regular abuse she receives as a Muslim MP, including threats of deportation and accusations of being a traitor. Cited data showing Muslims are the largest target of religiously motivated hate crimes in the UK, with Tell MAMA reporting a 600% increase in attacks on Muslims following recent conflicts in Israel and Palestine. Emphasised that Islamophobia affects not only individuals but also sends reverberations through communities, reinforcing bias, prejudice and discrimination. Highlighted institutional discrimination faced by Muslims and Government silence on these issues while peddling 'culture wars' against British people. Raised concerns about the outlawing of Muslim women’s right to wear religious symbols in Europe and the potential for marginalisation at a time when Islamophobia is rising.

Welcomes the debate on behalf of Muslims in the UK and his constituents. He discusses incidents of racism following terrorist attacks, highlighting a potential Islamophobic attack on a restaurant called Lahore and an antisemitic attack on another restaurant, both resulting in financial burdens for business owners. He asserts that while Islamophobia exists in the UK, it is not embedded in society. He mentions shared concerns between Muslim and Jewish communities regarding halal and shechita, faith schools, and single-sex spaces. He also addresses the Sunni-Shi’a divide within Islam and its impact on conflicts around the world. He references the murder of Asad Shah in Scotland as an example of Islamophobia and discrimination against Ahmadi Muslims. He emphasises the importance of individual freedom to choose their religion and highlights British values such as respect for law, free speech, and common decency. He suggests that the UK can lead by example in tackling persecution of Ahmadi Muslims around the world.

Responds to Matthew Offord's comments about Islamophobia and Muslim-upon-Muslim hatred. He agrees with Offord's points regarding persecution but questions whether inter-faith racism within the Muslim community should be considered Islamophobia, suggesting a need for further discussion.

Owen highlights the significant contributions Muslims make in her constituency, noting the multiculturalism in Luton. She also stresses the importance of intersectionality and the impact of hate speech on Muslim women. She calls for a response to the UN's International Day to Combat Islamophobia and urges the Government to take steps against state-sanctioned Islamophobia.

Expressed concern about Islamophobia in the UK, highlighting that it is often overlooked compared to international issues. She mentioned a report showing over 80% of Muslims in Scotland experienced Islamophobia, with some 75% considering it regular or everyday issue. Jardine also raised the impact of tensions heightened by events such as the war in Israel and Gaza, leading to an increase in reported incidents. She emphasised the importance of ensuring every community feels safe.

Complimented Christine Jardine for sharing statistics from Scotland and agreed that it is time for Parliament to take through a motion with support from all parties.

Discussed issues in his multicultural constituency, including an arson attack on the Muslim women’s centre. He raised concerns about Islamophobia within political parties, mentioning Baroness Warsi's report and the Labour party's response to it. McDonnell also criticised the process for dealing with accusations of antisemitism versus Islamophobia within the Labour party, arguing for equivalence in treating all forms of racism.

Islamophobia is a global issue affecting Muslims, with incidents ranging from the persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China to attacks on mosques and worshippers. Recognising Islamophobia is crucial for combating it. The UK has seen an increase in religious hate crimes against Muslims, making it harder for them to live equally in society. A clear definition of Islamophobia, endorsed by communities, is necessary. The APPG's definition should be adopted by the Government despite their rejection due to alleged inconsistency with the Equality Act 2010. Labour and other parties have adopted this definition, but the Conservatives refuse it. Local elections show that suspended councillors for Islamophobia were re-elected without explanation. Strong leadership from the top is needed to combat Islamophobia.

As a representative of a significant Muslim community, tackling Islamophobia is crucial. The UK must stand against religious hatred. In 2022-23, around 44% of religious hate crimes recorded were Islamophobic, with Muslims forming the highest proportion of victims for five years. Tell MAMA reported a sevenfold increase in anti-Muslim incidents between October and November compared to the same period last year. Luton's Council of Faiths works to maintain mutual respect and tolerance among various religions. Community events like the Big Iftar bring people together, fostering understanding and harmony. The Labour party adopted the APPG’s definition of Islamophobia in 2019; other parties should follow.

Dhesi argues that the Government's failure to formally define Islamophobia hinders efforts to address and mitigate hate crimes. He emphasises the need for unity rather than division during times of global distress, and calls out the Conservative party's lack of an independent inquiry into Islamophobia despite previous promises.

Sultana spoke about the rise in hate messages she receives due to her support for Palestinian rights. She mentioned that Islamophobic tropes are prevalent in media coverage and noted that anti-Muslim sentiment is often fanned by politicians, such as the former Home Secretary Suella Braverman's false claim regarding grooming gangs being 'almost all British-Pakistani'.

Thanked Naz Shah for her speech and highlighted the UN's definition of Islamophobia. Cited statistics from Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on racial and religious prejudice showing widespread fear, discrimination, and hostility towards Muslims in Scotland. Emphasised the need for political parties to adopt a formal definition of Islamophobia as proposed by the Scottish Parliament's all-party group. Called for urgent education reforms and support for organisations promoting social cohesion and integration, particularly for Muslim women.

She condemns hate crimes targeting Muslims, mentioning specific victims such as Makram Ali, Mushin Ahmed, Mohammed Saleem, and the Christchurch terrorist attacks. She notes a 140% rise in reported cases to Tell MAMA since October, representing a sevenfold increase over the same period last year. Twist calls on the Government to adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia and collaborate with Muslim communities and organisations for effective measures.

He agrees that standing together against Islamophobia and antisemitism is crucial, as highlighted by Zarah Sultana’s speech in the debate.

Challenges his Government's actions on Islamophobia and asks if she would appoint an independent adviser on Islamophobia, similar to the role for antisemitism. He also questions about equal funding for tackling both forms of hatred.

Questions Twist’s position regarding criticisms from Labour Members citing the Forde inquiry on racism within the Labour party.

She emphasised the need for interfaith dialogue and recognition of Muslim contributions to society, highlighted government support for Tell MAMA and protective security funding for mosques and Muslim faith schools. She also addressed interventions questioning government definitions and inclusivity.

The Labour MP criticised the Government's approach to tackling Islamophobia, stating that it amounted to 'gaslighting' British Muslim communities by not offering a clear definition or policy for addressing the issue. He accused the Government of prioritising certain organisations over others when inviting them to official events.