An online petition launched urging the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims to investigate the Home Office over it's 'abuse' of Schedule 7 powers has been signed by more than 23,000 people.
A recent report by organisation by CAGE claims that Schedule 7 border powers 'are a manifestation of structural Islamophobia'.
Cerie Bullivant who launched the petition and has been repeatedly stopped under Schedule 7 said, “I have been stopped under Schedule 7 numerous times, even when I had my children with me. I am made to feel like a criminal and targeted because of my beliefs.
"There is no question in my mind that it is Islamophobic.”
“I have launched this petition because I believe the Home Office has not taken the concerns raised about Schedule 7 seriously. It’s why I am urging the APPG on British Muslims to take action and investigate the discrimination faced by Muslims travelling through UK Borders.”
CAGE International Director Muhammad Rabbani, who says he has been stopped over 20 times under Schedule 7 powers, said, “There is a real sense of frustration from impacted communities about the sweeping and Islamophobic nature of Schedule 7 stops.
"Public bodies must uphold their duty to protect the rights of minorities, and it is why we are asking the APPG to urgently investigate this matter with the Home Office.”
Asian Image has contacted the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims to respond to the report. The organisation has yet to respond.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here