LONDON

A new definition of anti-Muslim hate will not restrict freedom of speech, the communities secretary has said, as the government announced a wider strategy aimed at strengthening social cohesion.

Steve Reed told MPs on Monday that the government has a responsibility to respond to record levels of hate crime targeting Muslims, arguing that clearer language is needed to address the issue.

Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: “Today, we are adopting a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility. This gives a clear explanation of unacceptable prejudice, discrimination, and hatred targeting Muslims, so we can take action to stop it.”

The new definition, which covers violence, harassment, and prejudicial stereotyping, is set out in three paragraphs and published alongside a longer document, forming part of a broader strategy.

Reed told MPs that defining the problem is critical if it is to be addressed effectively.

“The definition safeguards our fundamental right to freedom of speech about religion in general or any religion in particular and ensures that concerns raised in the public interest are protected,” he added.

Ministers said the approach would remain non-statutory, meaning it would not have legal force but would guide efforts to address prejudice, discrimination, and hatred directed at Muslims.

Home Office statistics show that hate crimes targeting Muslims are now at record levels: in the year to March 2025, there were 4,478 religious hate crimes against Muslims, making up almost half of all religious hate crimes.

Alongside the definition, the government also published a broader strategy designed to improve relations between communities across Britain.

"We will ensure hate crimes are prosecuted with the full force of the law. We will provide further protective security funding for faith communities and also take forward a series of actions to tackle religious hatred," it noted.

It added that they are encouraging organizations from various sectors to adopt the definition and consider how it applies to their own contexts. The government will collaborate with partners to create practical guidance and ensure effective implementation.

The document outlines several proposed measures to tackle extremism, including creating a new whistleblowing route for university staff and expanding the powers of the Charity Commission to close organizations.

Another key focus of the strategy is the role of English as a shared language.

The government said it would “review English language provision to identify best practice, and explore how innovation, including digital delivery, can increase the numbers able to speak English, with conclusions published in Autumn 2026.”

Reed said that while protecting freedom of speech remained essential, the government also wanted to ensure that both new arrivals and established communities in Britain were able to participate fully in society, including through learning English.