Sarah Sackman, the UK Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, defended the existence of Sharia courts in the House of Commons on Tuesday, stating that they reflect Britain's commitment to religious tolerance, which she claims is "an important British value." The statement was met with cheers and agreement across the Labour benches.

Sackman claimed that Sharia courts are voluntary, non-binding, and subordinate to UK law, a statement which raises a few eyebrows with those that are critical of how women are treated under Sharia.

Sackman is a former lawyer and was a member of the far-left Fabian Society's executive committee.

The defence comes amidst a broader debate on the role of Sharia councils in the UK, with critics arguing they enable abuses against women and create a parallel legal system.

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