Blunkett acts to ban hate crimes against Muslims

David Blunkett was today launching a fresh bid to outlaw the incitement of hatred against Muslims and other religious groups.

The Government will bring forward new legislation after earlier proposals were blocked by peers worried the move would infringe free speech.

Aides to the Home Secretary said the ban on acts of religious hatred could be used to curb anti-Muslim campaigns by the far-Right BNP. Current laws on racial hatred protect groups such as Jews and Sikhs, who are seen as races, but not other faiths.

Mr Blunkett was announcing his move, in a speech to the IPPR think-tank, in a bid to calm fears over asylum and immigration. English language tests for new British citizens, promised under 2002 legislation, will take effect from next month.

Muslim leaders demanded new legal protection following a rise in hate incidents in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Labour is anxious to shore up its support among Muslims ahead of two key byelections this month in Birmingham and Leicester.