Definition of anti-Muslim hate will not harm free speech, says Steve Reed

Steve Reed told the Commons that the new Social Cohesion Strategy would still require recent arrivals and existing communities in the UK to learn English. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

A new definition of anti-Muslim hate will not restrict freedom of speech, the communities secretary has pledged, as he said that “clear expectations” will still be set for new arrivals and existing communities in Britain to learn English.

MPs were told by Steve Reed that the government had a duty to act against record levels of hate crime against Muslims, but that “you can’t tackle a problem if you can’t describe it”.