Some politicians are increasingly resorting to negative rhetoric about Muslims as a way to generate clicks on social media, attract media attention, and grow their supporter base. Instead of focusing on policies that matter-such as education, healthcare, or the economy-they devote a disproportionate amount of time targeting Muslims, often seeking out stories and distorting facts to paint them in a negative light. While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, this kind of speech can cross the line into inciting hatred. That is why it is essential to hold politicians to account.

You should therefore report any unethical conduct of a councillor, MP or peer to the relevant political party through its complaint process which can be found on the relevant political party website.

Local councillors can also be reported to the local council through their relevant complaint procedures. If you are dissatisfied with the council's handling of your complaint, you can escalate it to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman within 12 months.

For MPs (or peers) an allegation must be made in writing to the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards via either in hard copy sent through the post or by email. Further guidance can be found here.

The person making the allegation must provide:

• their full name and postal address. If the Commissioner opens an investigation, they will share with the MP only the name of the person making the allegation (and not the Address details. The name of a complainant who is a member of the public will normally be redacted from any eventual publication.
• a clear explanation detailing how they think the Member has breached one of the rules of conduct or rules relating to upholding the Code listed in sections D and E of the Code)
• any evidence available to support their allegation. It is not sufficient to make an allegation and expect the Commissioner to look for supporting evidence.

As a basic courtesy any Member of the House (or a Member of the House of Lords) making an allegation about another Member to the Commissioner must, at the same time, send a copy of their allegation to the Member concerned.

It is important to note that former MPs also have a pass to access the parliamentary estate and complaints could therefore include such former MPs on whether it is appropriate for them to continue holding a pass if they have behaved unethically.

The information should be sent to:

Email: standardscommissioner@parliament.uk

Postal Address:
Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA

Telephone number: 020 7219 3738