John Cleese Questions Government’s Stance on Islam and Immigration

British comedy icon John Cleese has raised concerns about being labeled a terrorist simply for discussing the implications of Islam and mass immigration on his home country. On social media, he expressed his worries, stating, “I’m an Islam skeptic so I’m worried that the Labor government will classify me as a terrorist… that I once supported them…”

Cleese, known for his work on Harry Potter and Monty Python, has consistently described his views on Islam as “culturalist, not racist.” He highlighted the significant demographic shifts resulting from increased immigration and the presence of Muslim communities.

At 86, he referred to his stance as “Islamosceptic,” linking it to the efforts of MP Rupert Lowe, who is conducting an independent investigation into sexual abuse gangs. The Islamic Council of Britain has characterized some of Cleese’s statements as “Islamophobic.”

However, Cleese contends that his critiques are not about a “criticism of religion” but more about cultural concerns. His comments come after the British government’s anti-terrorism prevention program identified beliefs regarding “cultural nationalism” and the idea that Western culture is endangered by mass immigration as signs of “right-wing terrorist ideology.”

The Labor government is also formulating a definition of “Islamophobia.” Some critics, like the Free Speech Coalition, allege that this working group includes individuals connected to Islamist organizations. According to government sources, the group consists of representatives from the Muslim community, experts, and academics.

Leading the group is barrister Dominic Grieve KC, along with various other members from different Muslim organizations and independent consultants. Although the proposal was submitted in late 2025, there is no set date for when the government will officially publish the adopted definition.