Latest updates: independent review into alleged Islamophobia in the Conservative party finds anti-Muslim sentiment at local association and individual levels
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In response to the Singh report into allegations of Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination in the Conservative party, a party spokesperson said:
The party is considering the recommendations set out by the report. We will respond later today.
Here are some of the conclusions from the report into Islamophobia and other types of discrimination in the Conservative party. The wording is from the press release (pdf) summarising the findings. The full report is here (pdf).
On the extent of discrimination in the party
Over the six years 2015 to 2020 (inclusive), the party’s central database recorded 1,418 complaints concerning 727 incidents of alleged discrimination;
Two-thirds of all incidents reported to the complaints team at party headquarters (“CCHQ”), related to allegations of anti-Muslim discrimination;
There is clear evidence of a party complaints system in need of overhaul. The party has an under-resourced and inadequately trained complaints team and a weak data collection system, and communications between the complaints team and complainants and respondents have been poor. When compared to best practice as recommended by organisations such as the EHRC, the party complaints processes falls short;
Systems for identifying discrimination and the handling of complaints at local party association level are weak, with no common understanding of the process, and with association chairs expressing low confidence in the system;
Complaints related to a Protected Characteristic were more likely to result in a sanction than complaints not related to Protected Characteristics;
There are no clear guidelines as to which behaviours should attract which sanctions;
