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."
Kulsuma Aktergetty images