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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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Almost 300,000 families and individuals across England are now experiencing the worst forms of homelessness, including rough sleeping, unsuitable temporary accommodation and living in tents, according to new research from Crisis.

The landmark study, led by Heriot-Watt University, shows that 299,100 households in England experienced acute homelessness in 2024. This represents a 21 per cent increase since 2022, when there were 246,900 households, and a 45 per cent increase since 2012.

More than 15,000 people slept rough last year, while the number of households in unsuitable temporary accommodation rose from 19,200 in 2020 to 46,700 in 2024. An additional 18,600 households are living in unconventional accommodation such as cars, sheds and tents.

A national survey found 70 per cent of councils have seen increased numbers approaching them for homelessness assistance in the last year. Local authorities in London and Northern England reported the biggest increase.

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