The United Kingdom is experiencing an unprecedented surge in Islamophobic incidents, making it the “most dangerous” time for Muslims in the country, according to monitoring group Tell Mama.
The organisation, which tracks anti-Muslim hate crimes, has reported a record-breaking 5,837 incidents in 2024—the highest annual figure recorded. This marks a dramatic increase from 3,767 cases in 2023 and 2,201 in 2022, reflecting a 165% rise over two years.
Tell Mama also revealed that physical assaults linked to Islamophobia have surged by 73% in 2024, with Muslim men disproportionately targeted.
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In its latest report, the group attributes this sharp rise to various significant events, including the Southport stabbings, the UK general election, and escalating tensions in the Middle East following the October 7 Hamas-led attacks in 2023 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. The aftermath of these events resulted in an unprecedented spike, with over 2,000 cases recorded in the 100 days following October 7.
The report further notes that the repercussions of the conflict in Gaza have left many British Muslims feeling unsafe and questioning their place in society.
Tell Mama warns that anti-Muslim hate and extremist rhetoric “continue to climb at an alarming rate” across the UK. The report urges against complacency, stating: “No community should be dehumanised or marginalised because of their identity.”
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has also voiced deep concern over the findings, describing the surge in Islamophobic attacks as an “unprecedented crisis.” The organisation pointed to the violent riots of summer 2024 as a turning point and called for immediate action.
“Decision-makers now face a critical choice: either ignore this growing wave of hate or take decisive action to combat it,” an MCB spokesperson stated. The council is advocating for a “comprehensive national strategy” to tackle anti-Muslim bigotry and is urging the public to stand together against this troubling trend.
Responding to the report, a UK government spokesperson acknowledged the findings as “deeply concerning” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating Islamophobia.
Hate crimes targeting Muslim communities are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our society. We are determined to eliminate anti-Muslim hatred and all forms of discrimination by working closely with community organisations, charities, and public sector partners,” the spokesperson stated.
With Islamophobic incidents reaching record levels, advocacy groups continue to push for stronger policies and collective action to ensure the safety and security of Muslim communities in the UK.