Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The problem with defining Islamophobia: Part 2 The Q&A
#islamophobia
#freespeech
#religionandpolitics
#ukpolitics
#humanrights
This the Q&A part of this panel debate filmed by WORLDwrite volunteers at the Battle of Ideas festival 2025.
In February 2025, the then deputy prime minister and communities secretary, Angela Rayner, established an independent government working group, chaired by former Conservative MP and Attorney General Dominic Grieve KC, to advise on a definition of ‘anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia’. The demand for such a definition comes after an official definition of anti-Semitism was adopted in 2016. Critics have argued since that, for the sake of fairness, something similar must be done for Muslims.
Critics argue that a non-statutory definition of Islamophobia will inevitably be highly subjective and perception-based in its application by public bodies. This will limit freedom of speech by confusing criticism of the religion of Islam with prejudice against Muslim individuals, something which is already addressed through existing legislation.
The freedom to interrogate and ridicule the tenets of all faiths is fundamental in a modern society and restricting this freedom for one faith risks quelling not only criticism of that religion from non-believers, but also criticism of it from within, amongst fellow believers who disagree over interpretations of texts and controversial practices, such as face coverings.
The speakers on this panel are:
Professor Khalid Mahmood - former member of Parliament; visiting professor, Birmingham City University; director, KN Strategic Solutions Ltd
Baroness Amanda Spielman - conservative peer, former chief inspector; Ofsted
Nick Timothy MP - member of parliament, West Suffolk; former special advisor, Home Office; author and comment writer
Toby Young - general secretary, Free Speech Union; associate editor, Spectator; editor-in-chief, Daily Sceptic
The chair is: Dr Jan Macvarish - education and events director, Free Speech Union
WORLDwrite is a volunteer-run citizen TV channel that stands up for free speech – no ifs or buts. We film hard-hitting political debates, including panels from the Battle of Ideas festival, tackling taboo topics and defending ordinary people against contempt and censorship.
We train hundreds of young adults every year to shoot the arguments that matter, producing fearless films on politics, democracy, freedom, and global equality.
This is Citizen TV that punches above its weight.
Subscribe for unapologetic documentaries, debate and dissent.
With no paid staff, the charity WORLDwrite which filmed and is editing the Battle of Ideas Festival sessions needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please support the charity’s Christmas appeal if you can by visiting its JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwritesingathon
Or hit the Donate button below the video. Thank You.
The problem with defining Islamophobia: Part 2 The Q&A
#islamophobia
#freespeech
#religionandpolitics
#ukpolitics
#humanrights
This the Q&A part of this panel debate filmed by WORLDwrite volunteers at the Battle of Ideas festival 2025.
In February 2025, the then deputy prime minister and communities secretary, Angela Rayner, established an independent government working group, chaired by former Conservative MP and Attorney General Dominic Grieve KC, to advise on a definition of ‘anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia’. The demand for such a definition comes after an official definition of anti-Semitism was adopted in 2016. Critics have argued since that, for the sake of fairness, something similar must be done for Muslims.
Critics argue that a non-statutory definition of Islamophobia will inevitably be highly subjective and perception-based in its application by public bodies. This will limit freedom of speech by confusing criticism of the religion of Islam with prejudice against Muslim individuals, something which is already addressed through existing legislation.
The freedom to interrogate and ridicule the tenets of all faiths is fundamental in a modern society and restricting this freedom for one faith risks quelling not only criticism of that religion from non-believers, but also criticism of it from within, amongst fellow believers who disagree over interpretations of texts and controversial practices, such as face coverings.
The speakers on this panel are:
Professor Khalid Mahmood - former member of Parliament; visiting professor, Birmingham City University; director, KN Strategic Solutions Ltd
Baroness Amanda Spielman - conservative peer, former chief inspector; Ofsted
Nick Timothy MP - member of parliament, West Suffolk; former special advisor, Home Office; author and comment writer
Toby Young - general secretary, Free Speech Union; associate editor, Spectator; editor-in-chief, Daily Sceptic
The chair is: Dr Jan Macvarish - education and events director, Free Speech Union
WORLDwrite is a volunteer-run citizen TV channel that stands up for free speech – no ifs or buts. We film hard-hitting political debates, including panels from the Battle of Ideas festival, tackling taboo topics and defending ordinary people against contempt and censorship.
We train hundreds of young adults every year to shoot the arguments that matter, producing fearless films on politics, democracy, freedom, and global equality.
This is Citizen TV that punches above its weight.
Subscribe for unapologetic documentaries, debate and dissent.
With no paid staff, the charity WORLDwrite which filmed and is editing the Battle of Ideas Festival sessions needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please support the charity’s Christmas appeal if you can by visiting its JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwritesingathon
Or hit the Donate button below the video. Thank You.
