British Muslim Communities Take Action
As Islamophobia surges across the UK, British Muslims are stepping up to address the growing crisis. This week, Akeela Ahmed MBE, former chair of the Government’s Anti-Islam Hatred Working Group, along with other prominent Muslim figures, launched the British Muslim Network. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and the lived experiences of British Muslims, ensuring their concerns are addressed in government discussions.
Speaking to TRT World, Ahmed highlighted the absence of Muslim voices in key policy decisions. “British Muslims contribute significantly to society, yet our insights remain overlooked in policymaking. This has led to gaps in understanding the challenges our communities face,” she stated.
The British Muslim Network intends to provide a structured platform for engagement with the government, focusing on pressing issues such as Islamophobia, which has reached unprecedented levels in recent years.
A Surge in Hate Crimes
Tell MAMA, an organization monitoring anti-Muslim hate crimes in the UK, recorded an alarming 5,837 verified incidents in 2024, marking the highest figure since its establishment in 2012. The organization reported a 73% rise in Islamophobic assaults, largely influenced by global events such as the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Southport murders, which contributed to last summer’s far-right riots.
Iman Atta, director of Tell MAMA, emphasized the need for urgent government intervention. “We are at a critical juncture where coordinated action is required. Public figures must be mindful of how their rhetoric influences discussions online and offline, often fueling hostility,” Atta said.
Attacks on mosques and Islamic institutions have also escalated. Faith Associates, a consultancy group, documented 4,971 incidents, including vandalism and arson, between October 2023 and September 2024. In January 2025 alone, seven mosques, Islamic centers, and Muslim schools in London were targeted within just two weeks.
One of the affected sites, Thornton Heath Islamic Centre in southeast London, found “Stop Islam” graffitied on its walls upon arrival for dawn prayers. Despite submitting CCTV footage to law enforcement, the center has yet to receive a substantial response. “We expected a serious police investigation, given the clear evidence, but we have heard nothing,” said Altaf Haroon, the center’s manager. “Now, we have no choice but to remain extra vigilant.”
British Muslims Speak Out
The lack of action has left many British Muslims feeling abandoned.
Abdul Maalik Tailor, a London-based tour guide specializing in Muslim history, received over 1,000 abusive messages on social media after posting a video about his work. The hateful comments labeled Islam as a “cancer” and suggested he should be deported.
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“I always encourage victims of Islamophobia to report incidents, but in my case, I feel like nothing is being done. I’ve had 1,000 abusive messages, yet I still haven’t been contacted by an investigating officer,” Tailor shared.
Other Muslims have faced harassment in public spaces. Legal professional Rabania Khan from Luton recalled a disturbing incident on public transport when two men loudly blamed Muslims for Britain’s problems. When she confronted them, the verbal altercation intensified. “No one stepped in. No one told them to stop. It was as if their hateful speech was completely acceptable,” she said.
Similarly, London-based teacher and author Nadeine Asbali described feeling increasingly vulnerable, particularly as a mother of two visibly Muslim children.
“I get hostile looks on public transport, and I notice stricter treatment in shops and cafes simply because I wear a hijab,” she said. “In my hometown of Northampton, a halal takeaway was vandalized, and a nearby Muslim primary school was targeted with Islamophobic graffiti.”
She added that tensions have worsened since last summer’s riots, making many Muslims feel uneasy about openly practicing their faith. “With Ramadan approaching, people are anxious about traveling to and from mosques at night while wearing traditional Islamic attire.”
Government’s Lack of Response
Despite previous Conservative government reports acknowledging that nearly 40% of religious hate crimes in the UK target Muslims, no concrete measures have been introduced under the new Labour government to address the crisis.
📢 Introducing the British Muslim Network
We are proud to announce the launch of the British Muslim Network, a new, independent network bringing together voices from across British Muslim communities to advocate for positive change. (1/6) pic.twitter.com/0J5cgv8qjX
— British Muslim Network (@BritMusNet) February 26, 2025
During a parliamentary session in November 2024, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain questioned Prime Minister Keir Starmer about his administration’s plans to combat rising Islamophobia. Starmer’s response, however, lacked specificity, offering only a vague commitment to tackling the issue.
Many British Muslims now feel that the government either does not prioritize the issue or lacks a clear strategy to address it.
“There is little accountability for public figures who engage in Islamophobic rhetoric,” said Khan. “Hate speech against Muslims rarely leads to consequences, even when it comes from politicians. The lack of protection in public spaces only reinforces the fear that many of us feel.”
The government’s reluctance to engage with established Muslim organizations, such as the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), further fuels the perception that Islamophobia is not a priority for policymakers.
Determined to change this, Akeela Ahmed and the British Muslim Network are working to ensure that British Muslims have a voice in shaping policies that affect them. “Past engagement with British Muslims has been inconsistent and superficial,” Ahmed said. “We are here to change that.”