The safety of British Muslims is under threat, warn Muslim leaders, as hate crimes continue to rise and many feel increasingly unwelcome in their own country.
Shaista Gohir, head of the Muslim Women’s Network and cross-bench peer, urged the government to adopt a clear definition of anti-Muslim hostility.
She said failing to do so sends a worrying message that the safety of Muslim communities ‘does not matter’.
According to The Guardian, Lady Gohir was part of a 2025 government working group tasked with defining unacceptable treatment, prejudice, and discrimination against Muslims.
She criticised Downing Street for ignoring the proposal, despite official figures showing a nearly 20% increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes in 2025.
“Every group deserves protection. We are asking for this because of the high levels of abuse. With elections coming, the situation may worsen. If anyone is to blame, it is No 10.” She said.
The Muslim Census report, The Crisis of Belonging, shows only 8% of British Muslims feel positive about their future in the UK, while 63% feel negative.
A sense of belonging has also dropped sharply over the past decade. Rising Islamophobia, feeling unwelcome, job insecurity, and political tensions are key concerns among the 4,800 respondents surveyed with Islamic Relief UK and the National Zakat Foundation.
Recent findings from the Commons’ women and equalities committee highlight that Muslim women are particularly vulnerable to online, verbal, and physical abuse. Such hostility is affecting lives and eroding community cohesion.
Yet, the idea of a formal definition has faced resistance. Some UK faith groups argue it limits free speech. The EHRC warned that introducing a non-statutory definition may clash with existing laws, creating confusion for courts and individuals.
Lady Gohir said the proposal, widely consulted, would not restrict freedom of speech. Instead, it could help police and authorities identify anti-Muslim hostility and give victims confidence to report abuse.
In the year to March 2025, anti-Muslim hate crimes in England and Wales rose from 2,690 to 3,199 incidents, among a Muslim population of 3.9 million.
“If the government does not adopt a definition, it is telling Muslims that you don’t matter, your safety does not matter, Muslims do not matter,” she said.
