Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses concerns over anti-Muslim hate incidents and the perception that Islamophobia is not treated as seriously as other forms of racism. It highlights a specific incident involving an extreme right-wing Conservative MP making Islamophobic remarks on TV.
What steps he is taking to tackle Islamophobia? An extreme right-wing Conservative MP was allowed to go on an extreme right-wing Conservative-funding TV station and make a series of vile Islamophobic remarks. The MP was not suspended for Islamophobia; he was suspended for refusing to obey an order from his party leader. Does the Minister understand why it is that, not only among Muslim communities but across a much wider range of believers and non-believers, people are becoming increasingly concerned that, in the eyes of this Government, Islamophobia is seen as somehow less abhorrent than other forms of racism?
We have been clear that anti-Muslim hatred has absolutely no place in our communities. I feel that strongly, as I represent one of the most diverse constituencies in the country. We have provided over £6 million to the anti-Muslim hatred monitoring and support service Tell MAMA, and just shy of £13 million to schemes protecting mosques and faith schools. Funding for both measures had been uplifted in response to increased reporting since October.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific incident involving an extreme right-wing Conservative MP was not directly addressed, only a general statement about anti-Muslim hatred being unacceptable.
We Are Clear That Religious Hate Is Unacceptable
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights a recent rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents and crimes, raising concerns about the need for better education to improve interfaith understanding.
Will the Government do everything they can to improve education so as to improve multi-faith understanding and tackle this scourge?
My right hon. Friend makes a good point. Education is critical, and we need to bring our communities together. Last weekend, I was delighted to attend an inter-faith event in my constituency that included Holland Park synagogue, where it was hosted, and al-Manaar mosque. That inter-faith work and communities working together is critical.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific actions or commitments were made for improving education to combat anti-Muslim hate incidents.
We Need To Bring Our Communities Together
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights the government's failure to appoint an independent adviser on Islamophobia for almost two years, and criticism from the former adviser about their engagement.
For almost two years this Tory Government have failed to appoint an independent adviser on Islamophobia. The former adviser has criticised the Government for their failure to engage, and revealed that he could not even get them to provide terms of reference for his role. Does the Minister agree that this Government lack the political will to tackle this pernicious hatred, or even to call it out?
I strongly disagree. We plan to appoint a new independent adviser on anti-Muslim hatred, and we will update the House shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
No timeline or specifics on the appointment of a new independent advisor were provided.
We Plan To Appoint
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights concerns about the inability of government figures to call out Islamophobia, leading to fear and division among Muslims. The MP asks for clarification on what constitutes Islamophobia.
Like so many, I am fearful of the inability to call out Islamophobia becoming a scaremongering tactic to stoke fear and division and garner support for the extreme far right. It makes life difficult or even dangerous for Muslims. Across all four nations, more can and should be done on a cross-party basis to tackle that hatred. That starts with being able to call out Islamophobia when it occurs. Could the Minister clarify the line between being wrong and being Islamophobic?
There is no question but that those comments were wrong. I face the Mayor of London in opposition all the time, and I could criticise him for many things—housing, policing, fire or transport—but I would never accuse him of being in any way under the influence of Islamists.
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Assessment & feedback
No clear definition or criteria were provided to differentiate between wrong comments and Islamophobic remarks.
Those Comments Were Wrong
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights concerns about the government's lack of substantial action on combating Islamophobia, despite ample opportunity over the past few weeks. The MP asks for a commitment to adopt the definition of the all-party parliamentary group.
That response will give people little comfort. Let me paint a picture for the Minister of what life is like for many Muslims growing up and living across these four nations. A month after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, my local mosque in Carfin was petrol bombed. The two men were sentenced to one year and nine months respectively. If asked, most Muslims will have their own stories. Muslims are not asking for special treatment. They work, pay taxes, send their kids to the same schools and support the same football teams. The Government have had ample opportunity over the past few weeks to commit to tackling this stain on society, but there has been no substantial change in policy. Next Friday 15 March marks the UN's International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Will the Government use that opportunity to commit to adopting the definition of the all-party parliamentary group?
I want to make it clear that this Government will not tolerate religious hatred towards Muslims or any other faith group. That is a red line. This Government are aware, very sadly, of incidents of anti-Muslim hatred, which is why we put in place an extra £4.9 million of protective security funding for Muslim mosques, faith schools and communities. We are 100% behind our Muslim communities.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to adopting the definition was given.
We Will Not Tolerate Religious Hatred
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the potential impact of section 21 no-fault evictions on levels of homelessness.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of section 21 evictions on levels of homelessness?
The Department publishes official statistics on homelessness duties owed, including the number of households threatened with homelessness following service of a valid section 21 notice. We are committed to the abolition of section 21 through our landmark Renters (Reform) Bill, which will deliver a fairer private rented sector for both tenants and landlords.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific assessment or statistics were provided about the impact on homelessness.
We Are Committed To Abolition
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the government's delayed commitment to abolishing section 21 no-fault evictions, with ongoing issues like children living in temporary accommodation.
In 2019 the Government promised to abolish section 21 no-fault evictions, but the Bill that they finally published five years later, which the Minister mentioned, does not actually abolish section 21 no-fault evictions. Meanwhile, 140,000 children are living in costly temporary accommodation. In my constituency we get one or two cases every week. The problems are piling up. When will this Government do what they promised—stop delaying, stop dithering, and abolish no-fault evictions?
As I have already said, we are absolutely committed to abolishing section 21. The Renters (Reform) Bill is going through Parliament and I look forward to debating it with the hon. Lady when it returns to this House.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or commitment was given for abolition of no-fault evictions.
We Are Absolutely Committed
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Enfield borough topped London's league for section 21 evictions last year, with a peak of 400 families approaching the council in one month. The government's commitment to abolishing section 21 evictions has not been met.
My borough of Enfield topped London's league for section 21 evictions last year, resulting in a dramatic rise in homeless families approaching the council for help. Can I please ask him when he will bring forward the Bill to abolish no-fault evictions?
We are absolutely committed to abolishing section 21. We will bring forward the Bill as soon as we are able to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timing for bringing back the Bill
He Encouraged A Conversation With The Mayor Of London About Housing Needs
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
In Salford, approximately 466 individuals presented to the council in crisis due to section 21 notices from April to November last year. The private market rents are outstripping incomes, leading to homelessness.
Salford experienced a significant number of people presenting to the council for help because of section 21 notices. There is no affordable housing available once someone is evicted. When will the Government bring back the Renters (Reform) Bill with amendments banning section 21 evictions?
We are absolutely committed to abolishing section 21. We will bring back the Bill as soon as we are able to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timing for bringing back the Bill
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Ministers argue that the Renters (Reform) Bill balances tenants' and landlords' interests, but recent amendments have weakened renters' protections. The question challenges whether this is due to political management within the Conservative Party.
By watering down protections for renters in the draft Government amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill, are we to believe that the Government has decided at the 11th hour to give more rights and powers to landlords or is it an attempt to manage a fractious Tory party?
We need to strike the balance by discussing the Bill with both landlord groups and tenant groups. We are meeting colleagues on all Benches, and those in smaller parties too, ensuring that when we bring the Bill back it is in the best possible shape for tenants and landlords.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressing whether the watering down of protections is due to political management within the Conservative Party
Discussed Balancing Interests With Both Groups
Response accuracy