Free Republic

Government efforts to protect Muslims from abuse will in "no way" restrict people's freedom to criticise Islam, the communities secretary has said. Steve Reed told the BBC he believes a new definition of "anti-Muslim hostility" included in the government's social cohesion plan finds the right balance. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) last year raised concerns that a new definition risked creating a "chilling effect" on freedom of expression. The social cohesion plan, which will be published on Monday, also includes measures aimed at promoting integration and tackling "extremist influence" in institutions, such as charities and universities. An independent...

The Queen has approved Boris Johnson's request to suspend parliament from the middle of next month, which will restrict MPs' ability to block a no-deal Brexit. In a move prompting a furious political row, parliament will be prorogued in the week beginning 9 September until 14 October. This is the date on which a new Queen's Speech - detailing the legislative agenda of Mr Johnson's administration - will be held. ...The action will see parliament lose a number of sitting days prior to the UK's scheduled departure from the EU on 31 October. Asked if he was denying opposition MPs...

The Queen will be asked by the government to suspend Parliament just days after MPs return to work in September - and only a few weeks before the Brexit deadline. BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg says it will make way for Boris Johnson's new administration to hold a Queen's Speech - laying out the government's plans - on 14 October. But it means MPs are unlikely to have time to pass any laws that could stop the prime minister taking the UK out of the EU without a deal on 31 October. Tory backbencher and Remain campaigner Dominic Grieve called...