Proposed UK Islamophobia definition allows for right to criticise religion, source says

There were 3,199 anti-Muslim hate crime offences recorded in England and Wales in the 12 months to March 2025. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

A new definition of Islamophobia being considered by UK ministers is expected to protect the freedom to criticise Islam, the Guardian understands.

The government launched a working group in February to “define unacceptable treatment, prejudice, discrimination and hate targeting Muslims or anyone who is perceived to be Muslim.”