London/Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – A group of 27 Members of Parliament, including Afzal Khan, has formally called on the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to investigate allegations of Islamophobia within Reform UK.
The MPs, including 26 Labour lawmakers and independent MP Diane Abbott, have written to the EHRC urging the watchdog to launch a formal inquiry into what they describe as a pattern of anti-Muslim rhetoric and discriminatory conduct by members and representatives of Reform UK.
In a statement shared on social media, Afzal Khan accused senior figures and members of Reform UK of repeatedly “villainising Muslims” and using Muslim communities as scapegoats for wider social and economic problems in Britain. He argued that such rhetoric risks increasing hostility towards British Muslims and undermining social cohesion.
Khan said he had asked the EHRC to determine whether Reform UK had breached its obligations under the Equality Act 2010 by allegedly inciting discrimination. He also criticized the party’s stance on the legislation, noting that Reform UK has previously advocated abolishing the Equality Act.
According to the MPs’ letter, there is “overwhelming evidence” suggesting that Reform UK may have failed to address what they describe as a growing problem of Islamophobia within the party. The lawmakers further argued that the party lacks adequate internal mechanisms for handling complaints relating to discrimination and prejudice.
Afzal Khan warned that “consistent attacks on Muslim communities” could place British Muslims at greater risk and damage community relations across the country. The MPs also stated that racism and anti-Muslim hostility have real-world consequences for millions of Muslims living in the United Kingdom.
Reform UK has rejected the allegations. Party representatives have defended their comments and insisted they will not be intimidated by criticism. Some party figures have also publicly disputed the use of the term “Islamophobia.”
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has not yet announced whether it will open a formal investigation into the matter.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.