Anti-Muslim sentiment “remains a problem” within the Conservative Party, an independent report has found.
Professor Swaran Singh, a former equality and human rights commissioner, analysed 1,418 complaints relating to 727 separate incidents as recorded in the Tories’ complaints database between 2015 and 2020.
In a 44,000-word report on his findings, he said: “Judging by the extent of complaints and findings of misconduct by the party itself that relate to anti-Muslim words and conduct, anti-Muslim sentiment remains a problem within the party.
“This is damaging to the party, and alienates a significant section of society.”
Prof Singh’s review was published almost two years after all five candidates in the 2019 Conservative leadership contest – including eventual winner Boris Johnson – committed to an independent inquiry into allegations of Islamophobia within the party.
It found anti-Muslim views were seen at local association and individual level.
But claims of “institutional racism” were not borne out by evidence of the way complaints were handled.
However, there is “clear evidence” the Conservatives’ complaints system is “in need of overhaul”
adding that the report said it “should make for uncomfortable reading for the party”.
But it also said it found “no evidence the party had… systematically failed any particular community”.
• Two-thirds of all incidents reported to the complaints team at the Tories’ headquarters related to allegations of anti-Muslim discrimination
• Three-quarters of all incidents recorded in the Tories’ complaints database involved social media
• High-profile incidents, such as remarks made during Lord Goldsmith’s mayoral campaign and Mr Johnson’s comments on Muslim women in burqas, give the impression to many that the party and its leadership are insensitive to Muslim communities
Conservative co-chairman Amanda Milling said the party would be responding to the report’s recommendations later on Tuesday.
