NSS welcomes independent review into Leicester unrest

The National Secular Society has welcomed the government's decision to commission an independent review into last year's unrest in Leicester.

Tensions between local Muslim and Hindu groups spilled over into violence and attacks on places of worship in August and September 2022.

The origins of the unrest remain unclear, with misinformation, Islamism, Hindu nationalism and the result of a cricket match between India and Pakistan all having been variously implicated.

An earlier inquiry into the unrest fell through after the appointment of Dr Chris Allen drew widespread criticism. Comments made by Allen appeared to prejudge the inquiry's findings. Concerns were also raised about Allen's apparent support of antisemitic conspiracy theories about 9-11. The NSS subsequently called on the government to initiate an independent review.

The independent review was commissioned last week by Secretary of State for Communities Michael Gove. An independent panel will now be appointed. It will be chaired by Ian Austin, a former Minister for Housing and Planning and Minister for the West Midlands.

The review will seek to establish the facts and causes of the unrest, as well as setting out proposals for strengthening social cohesion.

Gove said, "we will not tolerate attempts to foster division or violence among people or between religious groups".

NSS: review must act "without fear or favour"

NSS campaigns officer Alejandro Sanchez said: "We welcome the government's decision to launch an independent review into the Leicester unrest.

"The review must now establish, without fear of favour, to what extent religious divisions played a role."

Image: Chris Allen (right) in one of the videos with Riaz Khan in which he appears to support 9-11 conspiracy theories.