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May refuses to commit to adopting Islamophobia definition

PRIME minister Theresa May has refused to commit to adopting the recommended definition of Islamophobia that has been accepted by the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru.

At Prime Minister's Questions yesterday (27), Afzal Khan MP, Labour’s shadow minister for immigration, asked May why she had “failed to act” on allegations of Islamophobia within the Conservative Party and if the definition of Islamophobia, recommended by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Muslims, would be adopted.


Denouncing all forms of discrimination, the prime minister said the Tories “take action” when complaints are filed.

“The Conservative party has a complaints process that deals with complaints of Islamophobia and any other complaints about discrimination," she said.

“We take action when there are cases of discrimination and abuse.”

Responding to the statement, Khan said the Conservative Party was in denial.

“It’s scandalous that Theresa May refused to confirm that the Tories will adopt the definition of Islamophobia published by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims,” he was quoted as saying.

“The Conservative Party leadership are in denial about Islamophobia in their ranks and simply aren't taking it seriously. They must adopt this definition without delay.”

Meanwhile, Tory deputy chairman James Cleverly said the party did not need a definition as they dealt with complaints "swiftly."

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British Passports

Anyone whose last passport was issued before January 1, 1994 must apply for what is classed as a “first adult passport

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Brits with passports issued before 1994 may need to apply all over again

  • Passports issued before January 1, 1994 cannot be renewed normally
  • Travellers may need to apply for a “first adult passport” instead
  • Applicants could be asked to provide birth certificates and citizenship documents

Britons planning holidays this year are being urged to check the issue date on their passport carefully, as some older documents may no longer qualify for a standard renewal.

According to guidance on the UK government website, anyone whose last passport was issued before January 1, 1994 must apply for what is classed as a “first adult passport” rather than renewing it in the usual way.

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