Tory "turmoil" obstructing Islamophobia response, finds review

An independent review into the Conservative Party’s handling of Islamophobia has uncovered the impact of internal “turmoil” on its efforts to tackle the issue. In government for over thirteen consecutive years, the political party must act in order to eradicate anti-Muslim hatred. [1]

Contents

An overview Political unrest and leadership changes impeding progress Unacceptable behaviour continues despite sanctions Further recommendations proposed An unlikely model for a disliked government Also read

In the one-year review of The Singh Investigation, Professor Swaran Singh highlights the political upheaval of the past two years as a significant factor hindering developments. Despite claims of “significant progress” by the Tories, the review underlines that much work to tackle Islamophobia remains to be done.

An overview

In 2021, Singh published a wide-ranging report that revealed evidence of discrimination and anti-Muslim views at local association and individual levels within the Conservative Party. [2]

While the notion of “institutional racism” was not substantiated by the evidence, the report shed light on areas needing improvement. [2]

This latest review emphasises the sluggish implementation of the previous recommendations, with some of the following criticised:

Training at a local level remains inconsistent
The complaints process remains “indifferent” or “abrasive”
Individuals who come forward with allegations face inadequate support
No formal process exists to handle complaints involving senior party members. [1]

As noted in the Independent Review of the Implementation by the Conservative Party of the Singh Investigation Recommendations,

“The Party has no formal measures in place to handle complaints relating to discriminatory behaviour involving the most senior members of the Party.

“Some senior Party members have told the Review that mechanisms already exist to create an independent panel to investigate complaints against the most senior Party members.

This appears to be ad hoc, as the Review did not find any documented formal procedure to reflect this, beyond the standard process that applies to all complaints.” [1]

Political unrest and leadership changes impeding progress

The review has also drawn attention to the “considerable political upheaval in the UK” during the two years following the original report.

With a staggering list of ten individuals leading the party at chair level and on the political stage, the continuity of efforts to address Islamophobia has undoubtedly been disrupted.

“The two years since the publication of the report have seen considerable political upheaval in the UK. In that time, the Conservative Party has had three leaders and seven chairs. This turmoil has impacted on the party’s efforts to implement our recommendations.

“Change took longer than expected, and challenges resulting from the interdependencies between recommendations contributed to delays in implementation.” [1]

Unacceptable behaviour continues despite sanctions

Having received a total of 212 complaints relating to 137 incidents between 1 April and 30 June 2022, the independent review also highlights a particularly concerning case where a complainant experienced prolonged distress due to the lack of implemented sanctions, an entire year on from the judgment. [1]

In this case, a subsequent complaint has been lodged as the offending behaviour is understood to have continued without any repercussions. [1]

This example has exposed clear gaps in the complaints handling process that need urgent rectification.

Shaheer Choudhury, Head of Editorial at Islam21c, said of the news,

“One year on from the Singh Report, it is unfortunate to find that the Conservative Party has been painfully slow in responding to the myriad recommendations offered by Professor Swaran Singh.

“Just a few years ago, one of the two major political parties in Britain was thrown under the bus for its perceived mishandling of complaints of anti-Semitic conduct, whereas the other was relatively lightly criticised for its non-existent protocols in regards to anti-Muslim abuse.

“With the Tories mired in Islamophobic behaviour from the very top, all the way down to local association levels — from Boris Johnson mocking Muslim women who wear the burqa by calling them “letterboxes” and “bank robbers”, to a local chair being voted out after refusing to complete anti-discrimination training — it is essential that the party acts quickly to avoid losing more voters and becoming permanently known as the anti-Muslim party.

“Indeed, it is in its own interest to rid itself of Islamophobia as Muslims continue to play a major role in British society, with 2021 Census figures indicating a sharp rise in Britons who identify as Muslim.

“In all, as the major parties ramp up their preparations for the upcoming general election, there ought to be a fair assessment of all political parties and it is evident that the Conservatives have thus far been uninterested in acting to eradicate Islamophobia from within.” [1] [3] [4]

Further recommendations proposed

Professor Singh has proposed several new recommendations, including a review of whether complaints against senior party members should be handled independently.

These measures are hoped to enhance the effectiveness of the Conservative Party’s efforts in tackling Islamophobia.

“The Party should internally review its implementation of all recommendations and ensure that its current processes and procedures conform to best practice.” [1]

As the Conservative Party grapples with internal turmoil and seeks to address the lingering spectre of Islamophobia, the new review urges prompt action and more comprehensive measures.

The party’s commitment to implementing the recommendations will be closely scrutinised, and the urgency of creating a more inclusive and respectful political environment is paramount.

“The Party should consult Local Associations on the guidance they need from CCHQ (Conservative Campaign Headquarters) and develop and publish a strategy of how to provide this.

“This could include the content and format of an Induction for Local Association Chairs and support in initiating outreach activities to local communities.” [1]

An unlikely model for a disliked government

The Conservative Party can look to the Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC), which endorsed the Muslim Athlete Charter last month, as a model and standard to combat Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims. It is clear that the adoption of a multi-pronged approach that emphasises inclusivity, education, and leadership is needed. [5]

Despite a chequered history and the continued need to address failings in the club to address anti-Muslim discrimination, the YCCC has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity by actively encouraging diversity in its players, coaching staff, and administration.

Similarly, the Conservatives can work to create a more welcoming environment by promoting diversity within its ranks, encouraging representation of Muslims in leadership positions, and fostering a culture of acceptance and respect for Muslims and their contributions to society.