The Muslim peer Lord Ahmed of Rotherham will lead the debate on extending existing laws about racial and sexual discrimination.

Legislation banning religious discrimination in the workplace already exists in Northern Ireland, and Lord Ahmed would like to see similar laws introduced in the Queen's Speech next month.

Muslims have at present no recourse to law if they feel they have been victimised because of their faith, although Jews and Sikhs are protected under race discrimination laws.

The BBC's Emily Buchanan "Society will get the message - discrimination will not be tolerated"

For many of Britain's Muslims, discrimination can take the form of insults or intimidation, or it can mean being refused a job or a place at school.

It is particularly acute when Muslim women wear the veil, or hijab, or when men grow a beard and the outward signs of their faith often make them the target of abuse.

The Islamophobia Commission, which reported two years ago, criticised the media for perpetuating damaging stereotypes of Muslims and recommended making religious discrimination illegal.

While some Muslims can now find protection under racial or sex discrimination laws, many cannot and fail to take injustices to court.

Lord Ahmed wants Britain to adopt a similar law as exists in Northern Ireland, where for the past 20 years religious equality has been enshrined in the province's Fair Employment Acts.