The Deputy Prime Minister is set to establish the council within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government which will look to draw up an official definition of the term Islamophobia.
This has immediately sparked concerns around free speech and potential blasphemy laws being introduced in Britain.
Former Editor of The Sun, Kelvin MacKenzie said speaking to GB News that plans were “a shocking mistake” aimed at winning back Muslim votes for Labour in 2029.
He went on to say “If we’re doing it for Islam, why not for Hindus and Christians? It will be a nightmare.”
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick warned the proposal is “a Trojan horse for a blasphemy law protecting Islam”.
A spokesperson for Rayner’s department responded to the criticism, stating: “No blasphemy laws will be introduced by this Government.”
COMMENT NOW – Is Labour’s proposed Islamophobia council a threat to free speech?