GETTY FILE PICTURE Sharia courts allegedly discriminate against women

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Tory peer Lord Bates said Islamic law is potentially being applied in an "unacceptable" way in England and Wales. A number of Sharia councils operate in the UK to offer resolution to disputes – but they have no jurisdiction in criminal matters. They can dissolve religious marriages but couples must go to an official court to obtain a civil divorce.

Sharia councils may be working in a discriminatory way Lord Bates

Home Secretary Theresa May first floated the idea of a review into Sharia courts in March, saying they are used to discriminate against women. But it was not part of the Conservatives' General Election manifesto. Lord Bates has now confirmed the review will go ahead, saying: "Sharia councils may be working in a discriminatory and unacceptable way. "That is why, as part of the forthcoming counter-extremism strategy, Government will commission a full, independent investigation to assess to what extent Sharia is being applied in a manner that is unacceptable."

GETTY Theresa May suggested a probe into the courts in March

Lord Bates added: "The review will commence following the appointment of an independent chair. "The Terms of Reference for the review and its duration will be determined at that point. "We will act on any evidence of its application which is outside of the law."

AFP•GETTY The Sharia Council of Britain preside over marital cases