A leaked draft of the Government's new social cohesion strategy says flying flags is linked to 'tools of hate'. The document reportedly states that 'the extreme right' tried to 'turn symbols of pride into tools of hate'. This comes after St George's Cross and Union flags were strewn from lampposts across England last summer in a campaign called Operation Raise the Colours.
Supporters insisted Brits were showing pride in their country, while critics warned the flag-flying was aimed at intimidating certain communities and a show of anti-immigrant sentiment. The leaked draft is from a version of the Government's community cohesion plan, which is due out next week. A Government source told The Sun the document is an early draft, which proposes a 'special representative' to tackle Islamophobia.
The 'anti-Muslim hostility' tsar will be introduced to 'champion efforts across the UK to tackle hostility and hatred directed at Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim'. How this tsar will operate and what powers the role will have remains unclear. A new definition of Islamophobia is also expected to be set out as part of guidance on anti-Muslim hatred, though the exact wording is not yet known.
The document reportedly warns anti-semitism has become 'normalised in many corners of society' from schools and universities to workplaces and the NHS. Some £800 million over 10 years would be put towards 40 areas where social cohesion is deemed to be 'under pressure' under the proposals. Which specific areas these are and how the funds will be allocated has not been detailed.
Critics have argued the move could act as a backdoor 'blasphemy law' and limit free speech. The Government has said its focus is on protecting people from unacceptable treatment. Shadow Communities Secretary Sir James Cleverly said the proposal for an anti-Muslim hostility 'tsar' risked having a 'chilling effect'.
He accused Labour of 'pandering to sectarianism' after losing the previously rock-solid seat of Gorton and Denton in Greater Manchester to the Greens in a parliamentary by-election last month. The Tory frontbencher said: 'The Conservatives stand against such divisive tactics. ' The cohesion strategy says that a lack of focus on integration has led to the creation of 'social silos'.
Some people in Britain are living 'parallel lives' separate from mainstream customs and culture, Labour's report into divided society admits. The Government study also says the UK should not be 'importing or stoking' ideas or practices that go against traditional values. 'Respect for religion or culture does not require us to tolerate behaviour which attacks or undermines our fundamental values as a society,' it warns.
' The report says that a 'key part' of being a British citizen is tolerance and openness to different views and cultures. ' While people should be able to take opportunities here without fear of discrimination, 'newcomers have a responsibility to engage with and embrace what it means to be British'. 'Insufficient focus on our shared responsibility to support integration has, in some parts of the country, led to the creation of social silos with people living largely separate, parallel lives from mainstream UK customs and culture,' it states.
What specific measures will be included to address these issues is yet to be revealed. The Government says it will now set clear expectations for integration including 'English language proficiency, and participation in work' as well as shared identity. There will be a review of the provision of English language lessons including looking how 'digital delivery' can increase the numbers able to speak it.
'It is impossible for people to engage with others, build relationships, and develop mutual understanding if they lack the words to do so,' the strategy states. ' The report blames the last Conservative government for allowing record levels of immigration.