New crime of Islamophobia in wake of riots ‘would threaten free speech’

Calls to make Islamophobia a specific crime in the wake of riots threaten free speech, MPs have warned.

There is no single agreed definition of anti-Muslim hatred but Labour has previously signalled its support for one.

Left-wing Labour MPs and Muslim groups have urged Sir Keir Starmer to take a stronger stance on Islamophobia after a far-Right mob attacked a mob in Southport last week.

But opposition backbenchers warned any new legislation would only serve to stifle criticism of religion and freedom of expression.