Labour demand update on investigation into Nus Ghani’s islamophobia claims

Angela Rayner has written to Simon Case to seek clarity regarding the status of the Cabinet Office’s investigation into the allegations of Islamophobia in the Government made by former Tory minister Nusrat Ghani.

It is now over two weeks since the Cabinet Office launched an investigation into the deeply serious claims of racism at the heart of the Conservative Government.

The Government Chief Whip, Mark Spencer, publicly referred himself for investigation after Ghani alleged that she had been told her Muslim faith was why she was sacked from her government job in February 2020.

Given the strong public interest in this matter being swiftly and transparently investigated, Rayner has asked the Cabinet Secretary several questions about the investigation:

“What are the terms of reference for the Cabinet Office investigation into allegations of Islamophobia within Government?

“Who will be chairing or leading on the investigation and how many members of staff will be involved in the investigation?

“What is the timeline for the investigation?

“Will the full findings of the investigation be made public once it has concluded?

“Will any report recommend proposed actions and consequences, or is it simply a factfinding exercise? If the latter, who will determine any consequent action needed?”

Angela Rayner MP, Labour’s Deputy Leader and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said:

“The discrimination Nusrat Ghani says she experienced from her own Conservative Party colleagues is shocking.

“There’s no place for racism and Islamophobia in any part of our society, let alone at the highest levels of the Government. The Ministerial Code is also clear in saying discrimination will not be tolerated. Everyone should be treated with respect at work.

“However, more than two weeks have now passed and we still don’t know how this investigation is being conducted, who is leading on it, or when it will be finished.

“It’s vital this matter is transparently and swiftly addressed, that the investigation’s findings are made public, and any recommended consequences quickly enacted.”