Government set to unveil plans for new Islamophobia tsar as part of social cohesion strategy

The government is expected to announce plans to create an “anti-Muslim hostility czar” as part of its social cohesion strategy.

A leaked draft suggests that a “special envoy” will “support efforts to combat hostility and hatred towards Muslims and those perceived to be Muslims across the UK.”

Under the proposals, £800 million would be allocated over 10 years to 40 areas where social cohesion is “under pressure”.

The 47-page document also warns that antisemitism has become “normalised in many parts of society”, from schools and universities to workplaces and the NHS.

The draft was leaked to the press Audience magazine reported that ministers will announce the final plans at an intergovernmental initiative next week.

A Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “We do not comment on leaks.”

A new definition of Islamophobia is expected to be made within the scope of the guide on anti-Muslim hatred.

Critics argued that a new definition could serve as a backdoor “blasphemy law” and limit free speech.

Shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly said the proposal for a “czar” of anti-Muslim hostility risked having a “chilling effect”.

He accused Labor of “pandering to sectarianism” after losing the solid Greater Manchester seat of Gorton and Denton to the Greens in last month’s parliamentary by-election.

The Tory frontrunner said: “The Conservatives oppose such divisive tactics.

“As Kemi Badenoch said this week, identity politics is a dead end and if it fails to focus on regional interests rather than shared values ​​and freedoms, our country will be led down a dark path.

“Anti-Muslim hatred is real. But we must tackle it without undermining freedom of expression, with existing laws designed for that very purpose.”

Last week, a 55-year-old man was charged with possessing an offensive weapon following reports that a man armed with an ax entered Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers.

No one was injured during the incident.

A report published by The Independent last year revealed that almost half (45 percent) of Muslim women do not feel safe on public transport, while this rate remained at only 8 percent nationwide.

The survey of 1,155 people in November 2025 found that more than a third (34%) of Muslim women said they had experienced Islamophobic or racist abuse while travelling.