Rafe Heydel-Mankoo has launched a fierce attack on Government proposals to establish an official definition of Islamophobia, warning the measure would severely restrict freedom of expression.
Speaking on GB News, he condemned the initiative as "deeply insidious" and argued it would effectively silence legitimate criticism of Islamic ideology.
The historian expressed alarm that ministers were pursuing a formal definition despite public opposition, citing polling data showing most people consider such measures both unnecessary and unimportant.
He characterised the Government's approach as particularly troubling, suggesting officials were attempting to embed terminology originally devised by Islamist groups.
PA / GB NEWS
|Heydel-Mankoo warned the move is 'deeply insidious'
His intervention comes as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner faces mounting criticism over plans to implement a new definition across the public sector.
Heydel-Mankoo drew a sharp distinction between combating prejudice against Muslim individuals and permitting scrutiny of Islamic doctrine.
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"We should be discussing anti-Muslim hatred and bigotry which is just as vile as any prejudice including anti-Semitism and homophobia," he stated during his broadcast appearance.
He insisted that whilst attacks on Muslims based on their identity must be condemned, religious beliefs themselves should remain open to examination and debate.
GB NEWS
|Heydel-Mankoo joined Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello on GB News
The commentator argued that conflating criticism of Islamic teachings with discrimination against Muslim people represented a dangerous precedent.
He emphasised that "no religion, no ideology should be free from criticism" and warned against preventing legitimate questioning of religious doctrines.
His position reflects concerns that the proposed definition would blur crucial boundaries between protecting individuals from hatred and shielding religious ideas from scrutiny.
Heydel-Mankoo warned that the proposed definition would function as an "ideological weapon" designed to suppress dissenting voices on Islamic matters.
PA | Angela Rayner is spearheading efforts to establish an Islamophobia definition
He claimed the government was effectively introducing religious censorship through indirect means, stating: "It's very chilling to see the Government introduce a blasphemy law into this country."
The commentator highlighted that such restrictions would apply exclusively to one faith, describing it as "an Islamic blasphemy law" that uniquely protects Islam from critical examination.
He suggested the terminology would benefit extremist elements, arguing: "Islamophobia is a tool that will help Islamists and Jihadists."
According to his analysis, the proposals would criminalise those perceived to challenge "Muslimness" and create legal consequences for questioning aspects of Islamic belief or practice.
Angela Rayner established an independent advisory panel earlier this year to develop formal guidelines on defining anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia.
The working group, led by former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve KC, was tasked with creating standards for implementation throughout government departments.
Critics have raised concerns that the proposals could inhibit discussions about sensitive topics, including cases involving Asian grooming gangs.
The Deputy Prime Minister recently extended the public consultation period until 20 July and expanded its scope to gather wider feedback.
Recent polling of 2,000 respondents revealed that Labour's electoral support drops considerably when voters learn about the Islamophobia definition plans.
Free speech advocates have already mobilised against the initiative, describing it as introducing religious blasphemy laws "by the back door" into British legislation.