UK government confronted over Islamophobia, far-right and Gaza at Labour Muslim conference

The UK's Labour Muslim Network conference highlighted three major themes: rising Islamophobia, the threat from the far-right, and tensions over the UK government's response to the war in Gaza. Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, acknowledged the fractures between the party and Muslim communities, describing a community living in fear. While Powell's speech stuck to party messaging, it avoided addressing criticisms that Labour has taken Muslim voters for granted. The event underscored deep concerns within the community about the party's stance on international crises, particularly the demand to hold Israel to the same standard as other nations.