Labour MPs call for probe into alleged Islamophobia by members of Reform UK

Labour MPs have written to the chair of the equalities watchdog to demand Reform UK faces a probe regarding allegations of Islamophobia.The group of 27 MPs claimed there was overwhelming evidence Reform had breached its obligations under the 2010 Equality Act.In a letter to the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Labour MPs wrote: Over the last few years, we have seen a number of Reform UK politicians and members make comments that are clearly racist and discriminate against ethnic minorities, and in particular, Muslims.The group added: The prevalence of racism within Reform UK does not exist in a vacuum and has real-world consequences for the millions of British Muslims in our country. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was accused by the group of Labour MPs of being Islamophobic when he criticised a mass Muslim prayer event in Trafalgar Square.They also criticised Reform UK MPs Sarah Pochin, Suella Braverman and Lee Anderson.Afzal Khan, the Labour MP heading up the complaint, accused Reform UK of consistent attacks on Muslim communities.“Reform UK have consistently failed to tackle their growing Islamophobia problem, he said.He warned that “consistent attacks on Muslim communities are putting Muslims in Britain in danger and social cohesion at risk”.The letter, received by Mary-Ann Stephenson, saw the group call for a “formal investigation” into Nigel Farage’s party, with signatories from Mr Khan, Clapham and Brixton Hill MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner and Stroud MP Simon Opher.Also listed is the independent MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Diane Abbott, who was previously a Labour MP.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSReform's Makerfield by-election candidate declares 'tide is changing' against LabourMPs to debate UK rejoining EU after Labour opens door to Brexit 'betrayal'Dozens of migrants cross Channel for sixth consecutive day as 70 more arrive on dignhyAt the end of their letter, the MPs listed comments they described as Islamophobic, made by Reform UK MPs, members of the Scottish Parliament, members of the Senedd, councillors and parts of the wider party - dating as far back as 2014.Mr Farage had described “an attempt to overtake, intimidate and dominate our way of life”, when he spoke at a Reform event in Scotland earlier this year.Asked in March whether he backed banning all mass religious observances, he told reporters: “Yes.”The letter also referred to a Prime Minister’s Questions session in June 2025, when Reform UK MP for Runcorn and Helsby Sarah Pochin asked Sir Keir Starmer whether he would “ban the burka”.Amid the criticism, a spokesman for Reform UK said: We stand by our comments. We will not be intimidated.Meanwhile, an EHRC spokesman said: “The EHRC receives complaints each week about allegations of unlawful activity contrary to the Equality Act 2010.“We consider each complaint carefully and take action where appropriate.” Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter