Standing United Against Hate: Why Anti-Muslim Hostility Demands Urgent Action

The government’s most recent hate crime statistics reveal a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim attacks across England and Wales. This isn’t just a spike in numbers; it’s a warning sign. If left unaddressed, this growing hostility risks deepening divisions and undermining the inclusive, fair and prosperous society we all deserve.

At Equi, we believe that tackling hate is not just a moral imperative. It’s a strategic necessity. Our research shows that hate costs lives, fractures communities and drains public resources. It’s time for government, civil society and media to respond with clarity, courage and commitment.

In October 2025, the Home Office released official hate crime statistics for the year ending March 2025. The findings are stark:

• Religious hate crimes against Muslims rose by 19% compared to the previous year.
• Significant spikes occurred during the summer 2024 riots. Equi’s Britain United report estimates the economic cost of this violence was £243 million.
• Muslims faced the highest risk of personal hate crime among all religious groups.
• The most common offences were public fear, assault and harassment.
• Muslims were the target of 45% of all religiously aggravated hate crimes, followed by Jewish people at 29%.

These figures are not just statistics. They reflect lived experiences of fear, exclusion and trauma. The recent attack on a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur and the arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven are chilling reminders of what hate looks like in practice. These acts are designed to destroy communities and instil fear.

Condemnation alone is not enough. We need interfaith, cross-sector strategies to prevent hate before it takes root. That means analysing hate crimes by group, understanding their drivers and developing evidence-based interventions that protect all communities.

Anti-Muslim hostility is often shaped by perceptions of race and religion. The government’s own data acknowledges that hate crimes are recorded based on the perceived religion of victims. For example, anti-Muslim graffiti on a Sikh gurdwara or Hindu temple is still classified as a hate crime against Muslims.

Muslims are also disproportionately targeted by racially motivated hate crimes, more so than Christians or those with no stated religion. This reflects a complex entanglement of race, religion and appearance, where individuals are targeted based on ethnicity, dress or perceived identity.

Policymakers must understand this interplay of perception and prejudice to design effective protections.

Hatred against Muslims doesn’t just spread in the streets- it spreads online too. Amnesty International found that social media platforms played a key role in amplifying false narratives around the Southport murders, fuelling racist violence against Muslims and migrant communities. These platforms reward engagement, not truth. Posts that provoke outrage, regardless of accuracy, are prioritised. The consequences, as Southport showed, are real, immediate and dangerous.

Despite rising hostility, British Muslims continue to contribute powerfully to society. Equi’s recent report on youth violence found that just seven Muslim-led organisations save the government over £30 million per year through holistic, life-changing interventions. These contributions must be recognised, amplified and learned from. They offer a blueprint for community-led change and a counter-narrative to the toxic rhetoric that too often dominates public discourse.

Our policymakers were elected to represent all of us. That means understanding the lived realities of a multicultural, multi-faith Britain, including the fact that Muslims are disproportionately targeted by hate crime. Safety is a right, not a privilege. The cost of bigotry is borne by everyone economically, socially and morally. Government must send an unequivocal message: tackling hate crime and supporting community cohesion are national priorities.

We must amplify the good work of British Muslims and other faith communities. Their values, resilience and expertise enrich our society. There is much to learn, and much to protect. In the face of division, we must choose unity. Hate cannot be allowed to define who we are. By standing together, we build a society that is safer, fairer and more just for everyone.

Dr Mary Hunter is Senior Researcher at Equi.

The views expressed in Equi Comments pieces reflect the author’s perspective and do not necessarily represent the views of Equi. We provide this platform to encourage dialogue on broad themes related to our work, from diverse perspectives.