Labour MPs Demand Probe Into Reform UK Over Alleged Islamophobia

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A group of Members of Parliament has formally written to the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), calling for an investigation into Reform UK over allegations of Islamophobia and racial discrimination.

The complaint, signed by 26 Labour MPs along with one former Labour MP who now sits as an independent, argues that there is “overwhelming evidence” suggesting Reform UK may have breached its obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

In their letter, the MPs stated that several Reform UK politicians and party members had made comments that they described as racist and discriminatory, particularly towards Muslims and ethnic minorities. The signatories claimed that such rhetoric has become increasingly common within the party in recent years.

The MPs warned that the issue extends beyond political debate and has wider consequences for communities across Britain. According to the letter, the alleged rise of anti-Muslim sentiment within Reform UK contributes to a hostile environment for British Muslims and risks normalising discriminatory attitudes in public discourse.

Responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for Reform UK rejected the criticism and defended the party’s position, stating: “We stand by our comments. We will not be intimidated.”

Labour MP Afzal Khan, who is leading the complaint, accused Reform UK of repeatedly failing to address what he described as a growing Islamophobia problem within the party. He further alleged that Reform UK has engaged in “consistent attacks on Muslim communities.”

The complaint comes shortly after the UK government announced a formal definition of anti-Muslim hostility in March, an initiative that Afzal Khan had previously campaigned for. At the time of the announcement, the government highlighted figures showing that Muslims were the target of 45% of all religious hate crimes recorded in the country — the highest among any faith group. Officials also noted that incidents are believed to be significantly underreported.

As part of their submission to the EHRC, the MPs listed several examples of comments and statements made by Reform UK figures that they consider Islamophobic. Among them were criticisms directed at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage over remarks concerning a large Muslim prayer gathering held in Trafalgar Square, as well as suggestions that such events could potentially be restricted from taking place at historic British sites.

The EHRC has not yet announced whether it will open a formal investigation into the matter.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)