Growing concerns over the safety of British Muslims are being amplified following a staggering rise in hate crimes, which climbed nearly 20% in 2025. Shaista Gohir, a prominent advocate and cross-bench peer, has sharply condemned Downing Street’s failure to adopt a clear definition of anti-Muslim hostility, arguing that this negligence sends a troubling message to the Muslim community about their safety and worth in society.
A Call for Protection
Gohir, the head of the Muslim Women’s Network, has been actively involved in discussions aimed at defining what constitutes anti-Muslim hatred. The working group, established by the government in 2025, aimed to clarify unacceptable behaviours and prejudices directed at Muslims. A proposal for a non-statutory definition was submitted to the government in October, intended to align protections with existing laws. However, Downing Street’s delay in addressing this issue has raised eyebrows.
“Every group has the right to be protected,” Gohir stated. “The only reason we’re advocating for this definition is due to the alarming levels of abuse we are witnessing.” With personal accounts of increasing hostility, she warned that the political landscape could exacerbate these issues as the next election approaches. “If I am to place blame, I am looking directly at No 10,” she asserted.
The Crisis of Belonging
Recent research by Muslim Census highlights a grim outlook for the future among British Muslims. In their report, “The Crisis of Belonging”, only 8.2% of respondents felt optimistic about their prospects in the UK, while a staggering 62.7% expressed negative sentiments. The findings also revealed a dramatic decline in feelings of belonging, with just over half of the participants affirming a strong connection to the country—a steep drop from 93% a decade ago.
The report, which surveyed 4,800 individuals in collaboration with Islamic Relief UK and the National Zakat Foundation, pointed to rising Islamophobia, job security concerns, and a general sense of alienation as significant factors contributing to this disenchantment. Furthermore, a report from the Commons’ women and equalities committee underscored the disproportionate hostility faced by Muslim women, citing a surge in online and physical abuse that threatens community cohesion.
Opposition to a Definition
Despite the clear need for protective definitions, the proposal has encountered fierce resistance from various quarters. Critics, including representatives from other faith groups, argue that such a definition could infringe upon freedom of expression and be misused to suppress legitimate criticism of Islam. The Conservative think tank Policy Exchange has expressed fears that it may undermine counter-terrorism laws and immigration policies without proper democratic oversight.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has also voiced strong opposition, claiming that existing legal protections are sufficient and warning that a new definition could conflict with established legal frameworks. “Legal protections against discrimination and hate crime already exist,” an EHRC spokesperson remarked. “Introducing a non-statutory definition could lead to inconsistencies and confusion.”
Historical Context
Under the Equality Act 2010, while Islam is recognised as a protected religion, Muslims lack specific protections against racial discrimination as they are not categorised as a racial group. In 2019, the Labour Party adopted a working definition of Islamophobia, framing it as a form of racism targeting expressions of Muslim identity. This definition garnered support from several organisations but was not embraced by the Westminster government, which cited a lack of broad consensus.
The working group on anti-Muslim hatred, chaired by barrister Dominic Grieve KC, is preparing to consult on the proposed definition, which Gohir insists is crucial for empowering victims to report discrimination. “Opposition to this proposal appears to be a deliberate tactic to prevent its adoption,” she claimed, asserting that it would not hinder free speech but rather serve as a necessary tool for law enforcement.
Last year, a coalition of Labour and independent MPs urged the communities secretary, Steve Reed, to adopt a definition of Islamophobia, pointing to a sharp increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes—from 2,690 incidents to 3,199 within just twelve months. “When the antisemitism definition was proposed, there was no backlash,” Gohir noted. “This is a case of unequal treatment.”
Why it Matters
The government’s reluctance to adopt a robust definition of anti-Muslim hostility speaks volumes about its commitment to protecting minority communities. As hate crimes escalate and the sense of belonging among British Muslims dwindles, the implications of inaction are profound. If the authorities fail to recognise the urgency of this issue, they risk alienating an entire community, reinforcing the perception that their safety and dignity do not matter, and ultimately eroding the very fabric of British society.
