WARRINGTON Borough Council’s leader says the authority will take an all-party parliamentary group’s (APPG) definition of Islamophobia into account when determining future policies.

MP Faisal Rashid wrote to leader Cllr Russ Bowden to request that the council formally adopts the APPG’s on British Muslims’ definition.

It comes after the group launched a working definition of Islamophobia, which aims to build a ‘common understanding’ of the causes and consequences of it, as well as ‘showing a united determination’ to end it.

The definition is: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”

Labour’s Warrington South MP Mr Rashid added: “As a Muslim MP and as a proud advocate of tolerance, peace and integration, this issue is close to my heart.

“I have always understood the value of embracing difference and bringing communities together.

“Since coming to live in Warrington for more than 20 years, my family and I have always felt welcome.

“I am proud to call Warrington my home.

“Sadly, not all ethnic minorities are as fortunate as I have been to live in such a hospitable, tolerant environment.

“I am absolutely committed to building a society and world free from all forms of racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

“There should be zero tolerance of any form of hate crime.

“And that is why I believe that it is essential that Warrington Borough Council adopts this definition.”

Cllr Bowden (LAB – Birchwood) has responded to the politician’s request.

He said: “Intolerance, prejudice and discrimination against any group in society is unacceptable, whether it be on the grounds of religion, race, gender, age, sexuality or disability.

“The council must ensure that the highest standards are set in both policy and practice to tackle such behaviour wherever it occurs.

“I am grateful to Faisal Rashid MP for sharing the APPG’s definition of Islamophobia.

“The council will take this into account in determining any future policy direction.”