Labour MPs report Reform UK to equalities watchdog for alleged Islamophobia | Politics News

A group of MPs has written to the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) demanding a probe into Reform UK regarding allegations of Islamophobia.

Twenty-six Labour MPs and one former Labour MP, now an independent MP, have reported Reform UK for possible Islamophobia after the group claimed there was “overwhelming evidence” the party has breached its obligations under the 2010 Equality Act.

In the letter the MPs claim: “Over the last few years, we have seen a number of Reform UK politicians and members make comments that are clearly racist and discriminate against ethnic minorities, and in particular, Muslims.”

The group went on to say: “The prevalence of racism within Reform UK does not exist in a vacuum and has real-world consequences for the millions of British Muslims in our country.”

Politics latest: Labour has ‘no coherent plan’, Blair tells Starmer

A spokesperson for Reform UK said: “We stand by our comments. We will not be intimidated.”

The Labour MP heading up the complaint, Afzal Khan, said: “Reform UK have consistently failed to tackle their growing Islamophobia problem.”

He accused the party of “consistent attacks on Muslim communities”.

This letter comes after the government announced a definition of anti-Muslim hostility in March – something Mr Khan campaigned for in the past.

When the definition was published, the government asserted that 45% of all religious hate crimes were targeted at Muslims – a record level, and more than any other faith group.

And the government insists there is significant underreporting.

Among the group of 27 MPs who have signed the letter to the EHRC are Labour MPs Ian Byrne, Clive Lewis and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, as well as Mother of the House and independent MP Diane Abbott.

The MPs cite a list of examples of what they believe to be Islamophobic comments made by Reform politicians.

For example, they allege that keader Nigel Farage was Islamophobic when he criticised a mass Muslim prayer event in Trafalgar Square, and for suggesting they could be banned from taking place at historic British sites.

The letter to the EHRC also criticises Reform MPs Sarah Pochin, Suella Braverman and Lee Anderson, as well as Reform members of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Senedd.