Watford Borough Council has adopted the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) definition of Islamophobia and reiterated its commitment to combatting all forms of discrimination.

It unanimously passed a motion at a full council meeting on Tuesday as part of a stand against anti-Muslim behaviour.

Labour Callowland ward councillor Sohail Bashir, who proposed the motion, said: "Watford Borough Council is proud of its rich diversity and inclusivity. We see this as an asset and a source of great strength. Watford is home to thousands of Muslims, some who have been in the town for over half a century while others have come more recently. Watford has an honourable history of promoting cohesion and welcoming people from all over the world, most recently refugees from Syria.

"Its residents have always united and supported each other in the fight against any form of racism and discrimination in all its forms."

Examples of Islamophobia include expressing a desire to harm or kill Muslims and holding all Muslims accountable for the actions of a single Muslim or a Muslim-majority state.

Cllr Bashir added: "With the Watford Labour group putting forward this motion on adopting the definition of Islamophobia, it’s unanimous support shows the town hall coming together as a multi-faith and multi-cultural town which we have long been proud of in Watford."

Councils all around the country have adopted the same definition.