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Our articles provide in-depth analysis and commentary on legislation and policy developments that impact Muslim communities in the UK. We produce briefings, legal responses, and research-led insights to inform public debate, support advocacy efforts, and equip allies with accurate, accessible information.

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· December 19, 2025 ·

1 min read

#Human Rights#Equality

MLegal’s Response to the Independent Working Group’s Definition of Islamophobia

MLegal is committed to the advancement of the rights and protection of marginalised communities, including the Muslim community, in the UK. Therefore, we welcome the Independent Working Group’s contribution to the development of a definition of anti-Muslim bigotry, referred to in its work as ‘anti-Muslim hostility’.

 

While the Working Group has moved away from the term ‘Islamophobia’, opting instead for ‘anti-Muslim hostility’, we appreciate that a central element of the proposed definition remains the recognition of the ‘racialisation’ of Muslims as a homogenous group. This process – grounded in negative stereotypes and prejudices – continues to be identified as a driver of the discrimination, harassment, and the ‘othering’ of Muslims.

 

MLegal understands that the proposed definition will be non-statutory. Despite the lack of formal legal codification, we believe that it offers a coherent and practical framework capable of adoption by public bodies and institutions. We are therefore hopeful that it will contribute to stronger protections for individuals who are perceived to be Muslim within public, professional, and institutional settings. Importantly, the definition seeks to strike an appropriate balance by safeguarding those affected by anti-Muslim hostility while preserving freedom of expression and open debate.

 

While further refinement may be necessary, MLegal welcomes the current proposal as an important step towards meaningful change and enhanced safeguards for Muslims across the UK.

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#Inclusion

Welcoming Our First Cohort of MLegal Associates

At the end of last month, we marked a significant milestone as we welcomed our first cohort of MLegal Associates. We began the day by exploring a foundational topic: understanding Islamophobia.   We opened with a discussion on how young people perceive Islamophobia, before delving deeper into its contemporary forms and the multiple dimensions through which it manifests. Together, we unpacked what current legislation covers, the gaps that still exist, and how these relate to direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation, perceptions, and association.   Our cohort also engaged in a thoughtful examination of political narratives, focusing on how polarisation emerges and what it means to bring people together within political spaces. We explored the importance of policymaking, relationship-building, and navigating the complexities of the political landscape.   We continued by looking at equalities frameworks, and later examined extremism, including the complexities and implications it presents.   Well done to all the Associates in the cohort who were selected – we’re excited to support your journey ahead. Congratulations to: Kanan Dadashzade, Sahana Kalam, Hannah Pathan, Halil Karakus, Akilaah Rafeek, Iman Jaura, Hamza Ahmad, and Haroon Shah.   A huge thank you to Yunus Emre Enstitüsü for generously providing us with space for this training session.   We look forward to continuing this journey with our new Associates as they grow, learn, and contribute to shaping a fairer and more inclusive society.

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#Equality#Inclusion#Human Rights#Justice & Accountability

M-Legal Presents Evidence on Defining Islamophobia to Government Working Group

Last month, M-Legal submitted evidence to the UK Government’s Working Group on Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia Definition — an independent panel tasked with recommending a national, non-statutory definition that can be used consistently across public policy and institutions.   Our submission was informed by three roundtable meetings with Muslim community organisations, legal practitioners, and civil society leaders, exploring how Islamophobia is experienced in education, policing, media, housing, and public life. These conversations ensured the proposed definition reflects lived realities and commands broad community confidence.   We also met members of the Working Group in person to present our legal analysis, community evidence, and recommendations.   A Comprehensive Definition   Drawing on the expertise of our Chair and informed by UN, EU, and OSCE best practice, our submission argues that Islamophobia must be recognised as religious bigotry, racial bigotry, or a complex combination of both — racialised religious bigotry.   It manifests across three interconnected domains:   Othering – dehumanising narratives, stereotyping, and exclusion from public life. Discrimination – structural and institutional barriers in services, education, housing, and employment. Hostility – hate speech, incitement, and violence.   While it can occur in purely religious or purely racial forms, it is most often an overlap of the two — a point that should be explicit in any agreed definition.

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#Equality#Justice & Accountability#Human Rights#Inclusion

M-Legal Responds to Government’s Equality Law Call for Evidence

M-Legal has submitted detailed evidence to the Government’s Equality Law Call for Evidence, which is examining whether current legislation — particularly the Equality Act 2010 — is fit for purpose in tackling persistent inequalities.   Our submission focuses on where the law fails to fully protect Muslim communities, particularly in areas such as equal pay, harassment protections, and intersectional discrimination. Drawing on our legal expertise, case law, and engagement with affected communities, we highlight specific provisions in the Equality Act that result in unequal treatment and propose practical reforms to close these gaps.   Our Position   The Equality Act 2010 was intended to harmonise protections across protected characteristics. However, it does not provide equivalent protection for Muslims as it does for other ethno-religious groups, such as Jews and Sikhs, despite the well documented reality of racialised religious bigotry faced by Muslims.   This exclusion is most visible in:   The omission of multi-ethnic religious groups like Muslims from the statutory definition of race under s9 Equality Act. The absence of equal pay provisions for religion or belief, leaving Muslim workers without the same pay transparency or remedies available for gender, race, or disability. Gaps in harassment protections for religion in key areas of public life, including service provision, education, and public functions. The lack of a legal route to bring combined discrimination claims, meaning that intersecting prejudice — for example, against Muslim women — is not properly recognised or addressed.   Why This Matters   Muslim workers, particularly Muslim women, face some of the largest pay gaps and employment penalties in the UK. Government statistics and independent research show that:   Muslim men and women earn significantly less than White Christian counterparts, even after accounting for education, occupation, and region. Muslim women face compounded disadvantage due to gendered Islamophobia, with evidence of bias at recruitment, progression, and pay negotiation stages. Overrepresentation of Muslims in outsourced, insecure, and subcontracted roles limits access to equal pay comparisons, making it harder to challenge disparities.   Without reform, these patterns will remain embedded, and the Equality Act will continue to deliver unequal protection for equal harms.

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#Equality#Human Rights

M-Legal Responds to Government Consultation on Ethnicity and Disability Pay Gap Reporting

M-Legal has submitted its formal response to the UK Government’s consultation on extending mandatory pay gap reporting to cover ethnicity and disability. These proposals, part of the draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill, offer a critical opportunity to improve workplace transparency, strengthen legal coherence, and address persistent structural inequalities across the UK economy.   What Is The Consultation About?   Since 2017, large employers have been required to report annually on gender pay gaps. The Government is now considering whether similar obligations should apply to ethnicity and disability. The consultation covers how data should be collected, reported, and acted upon, and explores whether public bodies should have additional duties to monitor recruitment, retention and progression.   This marks a key moment in the evolving discussion around fairness at work—and the role of law and data in realising it.   Why M-Legal Is Responding   M-Legal funds support and strategic litigation for individuals and communities facing structural discrimination, particularly where race, religion, and class intersect. We have a long-standing interest in the way UK legal frameworks fall short in protecting racialised and religious minorities, especially those whose experiences of discrimination are rendered invisible by outdated or fragmented definitions of race.   We view pay gap reporting as more than a technical requirement. It is a tool that, if designed well, can help challenge deep-rooted patterns of exclusion in recruitment, progression, and reward—particularly for those at the sharpest end of institutional bias.

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#Human Rights

MLegal Joins 180+ Organisations Calling for Stronger Human Rights Leadership

In December, to mark Human Rights Day, MLegal joined more than 180 organisations across the UK in signing a joint open letter calling for stronger leadership on human rights and challenging recent negative rhetoric from government.   Human rights matter most when they are hardest to defend. At a time when core protections are increasingly questioned or portrayed as obstacles rather than safeguards, this collective action sends a clear message: human rights are essential to dignity, fairness, and accountability, and they must be upheld rather than weakened.   As a UK-based non-profit organisation committed to defending and advancing the rights of marginalised communities, MLegal’s decision to sign this open letter reflects our core mission and values. Founded to challenge systemic inequalities, we work at the intersection of civil liberties and human rights through strategic policy work, legal analysis, and advocacy. We see first-hand how harmful rhetoric and policy choices can undermine protections that many people rely on to live safely and with dignity.   Human rights provide a shared framework that protects individuals, strengthens democracy, and ensures those in power are held to account. For marginalised communities in particular, these rights are not abstract ideals but vital safeguards against discrimination, exclusion, and abuse.   By adding our voice to this open letter, MLegal stands in solidarity with civil society organisations, legal experts, and grassroots groups across the UK who are calling for leadership that strengthens human rights rather than eroding them. We believe that informed advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement are essential to achieving meaningful and lasting change.   MLegal will continue to work alongside partners across the sector to promote justice, challenge systemic inequalities, and amplify the voices of those whose rights are too often overlooked or compromised. Together, we are calling for a future in which human rights are protected in law, respected in practice, and real for everyone.   Read the full letter here on the British Institute of Human Rights website.

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#Equality

MLegal Engages Young People in First-Hand Parliamentary Experience

Earlier this year, MLegal proudly facilitated an inspiring visit to the UK Parliament for a group of young people, including our intern Shijing from Queen Mary University of London and work experience candidate Mathew. The visit provided participants with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of how Parliament operates and to engage directly with staff working for senior political figures such as Rachel Reeves and Afzal Khan MP.   The day offered valuable insight into the journeys of those who have built careers within Parliament and the wider policymaking arena. Participants learned about the different pathways into political roles, the functions of the House of Commons and House of Lords, and the importance of legal and policy expertise in shaping national debates.

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#Justice & Accountability

MLegal’s Initial Response to the Independent Commission on Counter-Terrorism

MLegal is committed to navigating the complex challenge of balancing security imperatives with the protection of human rights and civil liberties of all citizens. It, therefore, recognises the important work of the Independent Commission on Counter-Terrorism and welcomes its report.   MLegal welcomes and supports many of the insights and recommendations in the report, particularly on strengthening oversight and accountability in counter-terrorism work, narrowing the definition of terrorism, reforming the Prevent strategy, ensuring proportionate use of counter-terrorism policing powers, establishing clearer evidential thresholds for terrorist intent in precursor offences, safeguarding fairness in closed material procedures, balancing national security and democratic rights in proscription cases, balancing security with the needs of humanitarian organisations in counter-terrorism financing provisions, and restoring fairness and proportionality in citizenship laws. There are other insights and recommendations in the report that we will further consult the Muslim communities on – communities that have been particularly impacted by terrorism legislation, policy and practice.   Whilst we appreciate the great work that the Independent Commission has undertaken and reported on, we note that the Commission’s focus was predominantly on the Prevent and Pursue aspects of CONTEST, the UK’s strategy on counter-terrorism. The report does not cover the Protect and Prepare elements of the strategy. Recent activities by the far-right, and consequently the sharp rise in hostilities against Muslim communities, underscore the urgent need to develop all elements of the counter-terrorism strategy more comprehensively, particularly in terms of protecting potential Muslim community targets from any large-scale terrorist atrocities and preparing for any such eventuality. Thus, we will also be consulting Muslim communities on these aspects of the counter-terrorism strategy.   In the coming weeks, therefore, MLegal will consult not only on what is in the Commission’s report but also what is missing from it. We will be consulting with experts and grassroots organisations and leaders for their insights. We feel this consultation is essential to ensure that our response to the report reflects the experiences, concerns and thoughts of those who are most significantly impacted by the current counter-terrorism regime. In due course, therefore, MLegal will provide a more comprehensive response to the Commission’s report that reflects this consultation and provides decision makers greater insight into how the report and its recommendations have been received by the communities possibly most impacted by its contents.

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#Equality

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Supporting New Research: MLegal Funds Runnymede Trust’s Report on Islamophobia

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MLegal Launches Graduate Associate Fellowship

MLegal is proud to announce the launch of its new Graduate Associate Fellowship, a programme designed to develop the next generation of Muslim legal thinkers and advocates.   The Fellowship offers graduates from all disciplines the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in legal and policy debates that shape civic life in Britain today. Associates will contribute to MLegal’s work across four key areas: equality, Islamophobia, counter-terrorism, and freedom of expression.   “This programme is about opening doors,” said Sayed Alkadiri, Executive Director of MLegal. “We want to ensure that talented young people have the chance to participate in discussions and research that directly impact their communities and wider society.”   Associates will: Join MLegal’s team discussions and roundtables. Contribute to research, case analysis, and advocacy materials. Receive mentorship from experienced legal and policy practitioners. Gain recognition through published outputs, certificates, and professional references.   The Fellowship is a voluntary role (3–5 hours per week, remote), running on a rolling basis with renewable 3-month terms. It is open to graduates with a strong interest in justice, rights, and equality.   Applications are now open. Interested graduates can apply here: https://form.jotform.com/252593933776371

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#Inclusion#Equality

MLegal Associates Explore Equality, Islamophobia, and Public Order

Last week, our MLegal Associates came together for an important milestone in their journey, presenting the work they have been developing across a range of critical areas including equalities, Islamophobia, counter-terrorism, public order, and hate crime.   Working collaboratively in groups, the Associates undertook focused research into these complex and often interconnected topics. Their presentations brought together internal colleagues and external guests, creating a thoughtful and engaging space to explore how these issues operate in practice, where challenges remain, and how policy, law, and lived experience intersect.   Each presentation led to thoughtful discussion, allowing participants to reflect on the research, share different perspectives, and highlight the value of dialogue in addressing issues affecting marginalised communities.   The day concluded with a collective discussion on Islamophobia, allowing the cohort to delve deeper into its contemporary forms, its impact, and the ways it continues to shape social and political landscapes. It was a valuable opportunity for shared learning and critical reflection.   We are proud of the dedication and insight shown by our MLegal Associates and look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop their skills, knowledge, and contributions towards a more just and inclusive society.

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#Equality#Inclusion#Human Rights#Justice & Accountability

M-Legal Submits Evidence to Parliamentary Inquiry on Gendered Islamophobia

M-Legal has submitted written evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee for its one-off inquiry into gendered Islamophobia. The inquiry examines the specific challenges facing Muslim women in the UK, including barriers to reporting, the difficulties in agreeing a definition of Islamophobia, and how gendered prejudice can be effectively challenged.   Our evidence is grounded in legal and policy analysis, engagement with Muslim women and community organisations, and international best practice. It sets out how gendered Islamophobia is shaped by the intersection of faith, race, and gender, and the compounded impact this has on safety, equality, and participation in public life.   Our Position   We define gendered Islamophobia within the same overarching framework as Islamophobia more broadly — religious bigotry, racial bigotry, or a combination of both — racialised religious bigotry — with gender acting as a compounding factor.   It manifests across three domains:   Othering – negative stereotyping and narratives about Muslim women’s identity, autonomy, and role in society, often perpetuated in public discourse and media. Discrimination – structural and institutional barriers in employment, housing, public services, and civic participation. Hostility – verbal abuse, harassment, and physical violence, disproportionately affecting visibly Muslim women, particularly those wearing hijab or niqab.   Why This Matters   Gendered Islamophobia is persistently underreported, due to:   Low trust in reporting mechanisms and public institutions. Lack of confidence in achieving redress. The normalisation of prejudice and stereotyping in public and media narratives.   We also highlight significant gaps in equalities law — particularly the weaker harassment protections for religion in the Equality Act 2010 compared to race — leaving Muslim women without the same legal safeguards as other racialised religious groups. These gaps have real-world consequences for dignity, safety, and equal access to opportunities.

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