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  • February 8, 2025
1 in 3 British Muslims are considering leaving Britain because of Islamophobia

1 in 3 British Muslims are considering leaving Britain because of Islamophobia

A new survey highlights growing concerns within British Muslim communities following the violent unrest that spread across the country this summer (Getty)

Most British Muslims to believe Islamophobia has increased since the subsequent summer riots the Southport stabbings in England’s Merseyside, with one in three considering leaving the UK, according to a report published on Wednesday by anti-Muslim crime watchdog Tell MAMA.

This is evident from a study by the organization growing concerns within British Muslim communities following the violent unrest that spread across the country this summer.

One in four Muslims surveyed online or by telephone reported experiencing anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia following the July 30 mass stabbing in Southport.

The violence caused by false online claims that a Muslim asylum seeker was responsible for the fatal stabbing of three children sparked a wave of riots across the country targeting immigrants and Muslims.

Two-thirds of respondents believed that the risk of harm to Muslim communities had increased since July 30, with more than two-thirds stating that anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia had become more widespread.

Nearly four in 10 participants expressed concern that their local mosque was at risk from far-right groups and extremists, the survey found.

Despite rising hostility, half of those surveyed said the riots had made them feel “more open about their Muslim identity”, and six in 10 said they still felt safe in Britain.

In a statement, Tell MAMA noted: “The survey findings show that anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia has a significant impact on Britain’s Muslim communities.”

It went on to say that in the weeks following the July riots, Tell MAMA had received numerous reports from the public, many of whom had been verbally abused, threatened with death, spat at or physically assaulted.

“Many British Muslims are very scared at the moment. They need our government to show that it hears their fears and is working to keep them safe,” said Iman Atta, director of Tell MAMA.

“This poll is proof of the chilling impact that anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia have.”

She continued: “More work needs to be done to reassure these people. We need more focus on supporting social cohesion in the hardest-hit areas. These findings should be a wake-up call for the government.”

Extreme right-wing violence

The research, which interviewed 750 Muslims in Britain between September 30 and October 14, sheds light on the ongoing challenges facing British Muslims in the wake of far-right violence.

The findings are consistent with a report published by the Runnymede Trust Tuesday showed a sharp increase in hate crimes against Muslims and explicit rhetoric portraying Muslims as a threat to British society.

The report also examined the racist riots that took place across Britain this summer and noted that there is widespread anti-Muslim sentiment across Britain.

Afzal Khanthe British MP for Manchester Rusholme, was joined by his colleagues to take a stand against Islamophobia at an event in Parliament on the same day to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month.

The event was supported by representatives from Amnesty International and the Muslim Council of Britain to raise awareness and highlight the importance of fighting hate and discrimination.

Islamophobia Awareness Month is held annually to highlight the positive contributions Muslims make to society, and to raise awareness of Islamophobia and the prejudice faced by British Muslims in all sectors of society.

Khan said on Tuesday: “With the rise in Islamophobic hate crimes since October 2023, and the far-right rioters we have seen attacking mosques and Muslims across the country this summer, it is more important than ever that MPs show their support for British Muslims and recommit committed to eradicating Islamophobia.”