11 hours ago
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...-Tsar.html
EXCERPTS: A new tsar is to be created to tackle growing hatred towards Muslims. The 'special representative on anti-Muslim hostility' will be appointed to 'strengthen understanding, reporting and response', the Government said. In addition, a 'historic' definition of anti-Muslim hostility has been created to protect followers of Islam from 'unacceptable abuse and violence'.
Hate crimes against followers of Islam are at 'record levels', the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said, with many 'living in fear that they will be targeted because of how they look or assumptions over where they come from'.
But ministers insisted the new definition would also guarantee 'the fundamental right to freedom of speech' amid fears it would create a blasphemy law by the back door. The Government ditched a plan to give a definition for the word 'Islamophobia' amid free speech concerns and decided to adopt a definition of 'anti-Muslim hostility' instead.
But campaigners have warned this could be more dangerous and risks creating an even broader term which could be exploited by some groups seeking to influence political debate on matters such as immigration and counter-terrorism.
The controversial announcements are part of a wider cross-Government drive to reduce divisions in society, which it said have grown after decades of rapid change including 'technological advancements, demographic change, local industries collapsing, the increasing cost of living and the decline of vital public services'.
The MHCLG blamed 'bad actors, including from abroad' for stoking community tensions and promoting 'toxic division and extremist ideology'. It claimed that their efforts will mean millions of families 'feel a stronger sense of community, unity and national pride'.
[...] The strategy will also set out 'clear expectations' of integration for 'people looking to settle in the UK' including 'shared language, local participation and respect for shared values'. To support this, the Government will look at how English is taught, and if new technology can help more people can speak the language confidently,' the MHCLG said... (MORE - details)
EXCERPTS: A new tsar is to be created to tackle growing hatred towards Muslims. The 'special representative on anti-Muslim hostility' will be appointed to 'strengthen understanding, reporting and response', the Government said. In addition, a 'historic' definition of anti-Muslim hostility has been created to protect followers of Islam from 'unacceptable abuse and violence'.
Hate crimes against followers of Islam are at 'record levels', the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said, with many 'living in fear that they will be targeted because of how they look or assumptions over where they come from'.
But ministers insisted the new definition would also guarantee 'the fundamental right to freedom of speech' amid fears it would create a blasphemy law by the back door. The Government ditched a plan to give a definition for the word 'Islamophobia' amid free speech concerns and decided to adopt a definition of 'anti-Muslim hostility' instead.
But campaigners have warned this could be more dangerous and risks creating an even broader term which could be exploited by some groups seeking to influence political debate on matters such as immigration and counter-terrorism.
The controversial announcements are part of a wider cross-Government drive to reduce divisions in society, which it said have grown after decades of rapid change including 'technological advancements, demographic change, local industries collapsing, the increasing cost of living and the decline of vital public services'.
The MHCLG blamed 'bad actors, including from abroad' for stoking community tensions and promoting 'toxic division and extremist ideology'. It claimed that their efforts will mean millions of families 'feel a stronger sense of community, unity and national pride'.
[...] The strategy will also set out 'clear expectations' of integration for 'people looking to settle in the UK' including 'shared language, local participation and respect for shared values'. To support this, the Government will look at how English is taught, and if new technology can help more people can speak the language confidently,' the MHCLG said... (MORE - details)
