London, UK – A Keele University academic has brought fresh insights into the state of Islamophobia in Britain to a high-profile panel discussion at the House of Commons.
The event, centred on the European Islamophobia Report (EIR), was chaired by Afzal Khan MP, Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims. The panel featured leading experts, including Professor Aristotle Kallis from Keele’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Enes Bayrakli of Turkish-German University, Dr Kawtar Najib from the University of Liverpool, and Dr Amani Hassani of Brunel University.
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Professor Kallis, who has been the UK’s national rapporteur for the EIR since 2016, specialises in contemporary European history, fascism, and the dynamics of prejudice and discrimination. His presentation spotlighted major trends shaping Islamophobia in the UK during 2023 and 2024.
Key findings included:
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A surge in anti-Muslim hate crimes linked to international conflicts in the Middle East.
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The influence of domestic political events on public attitudes.
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An escalation of Islamophobic rhetoric in political campaigns, both at national and local levels.
Speaking at the panel, Professor Kallis warned:
“The UK stands at a pivotal moment where Islamophobia has become entrenched in public discourse, threatening both social cohesion and democratic principles. While far-right extremism remains a major concern, mainstream political narratives are increasingly adopting divisive themes, embedding Islamophobic tropes into everyday conversation.”
His 2024 report reveals that anti-Muslim prejudice is perpetuated through multiple channels — from biased media portrayals to policy decisions — fostering a climate of hostility that affects the daily lives of British Muslims. He emphasised the urgent need for an official definition of Islamophobia to drive effective policy action.
Despite the challenges, the research also documented examples of resilience among Muslim communities, as well as interfaith solidarity initiatives working towards unity and inclusion.
The panel discussion also welcomed contributions from Lord Wajid Khan (Minister for Faith and Communities), Turkish Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş, MP Naz Shah, and Lord Qurban Hussein.
Professor Kallis’s work continues to shape parliamentary debates, guide policy-making, and strengthen civil society’s efforts to combat religious discrimination in the UK.
