The Labour Party has lifted the suspension of anti-racism campaigner Trevor Phillips, who was temporarily banned in March last year over alleged Islamophobia. The Guardian has learned that Phillips, a former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, was reinstated at least three weeks ago without a disciplinary panel hearing.
Phillips' suspension followed comments including his description of UK Muslims as "a nation within a nation" and remarks about low Remembrance Day poppy wearing. He condemned the suspension as "political gangsterism" under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, having been a vocal critic of Corbyn's handling of antisemitism.
Labour sources say the investigation into Phillips is ongoing, and readmission can occur before a probe concludes. The move comes amid reported discontent among Muslim voters, following Labour's narrow victory in Batley and Spen where George Galloway won over 8,000 votes.
Labour MP Zarah Sultana said Phillips' comments "should be unequivocally condemned" and called for a full retraction and apology before readmission. Naz Shah, shadow minister for community cohesion, noted that some of Phillips' public statements would be unacceptable to any minority community.
The Labour Muslim Network expressed deep disappointment, stating that quietly readmitting Phillips "without apology or acknowledgment will only cause further anxiety and hurt among Muslims." Labour declined to comment on the lifting of the suspension, and Phillips did not respond to requests for comment.
