15 May 2019

Police chief warns May not to bow to pressure by adopting official definition of Islamophobia that 'could hit terror investigations' by stopping the UK shutting down extremist groups

Adopting an official definition of Islamophobia could hinder British counter-terror efforts, a police chief has claimed.

Martin Hewitt said the proposed wording could 'undermine many elements of counter-terrorism powers and policies'.

In a letter to Theresa May he said it could prevent authorities from shutting down extremist groups or conducting searches at ports.

Advocates of an official definition believe it could help Muslims report crime against them and improve relations between Islamic communities and the government.

But critics say it could restrict legitimate debate about Islam and confuses criticism of the religion with hatred of individual Muslims. [Daily Mail] Read more