The British government has introduced a new definition of “anti-Muslim hostility” as part of a more comprehensive plan to address rising hate crimes and strengthen social cohesion across the country. The plan is likely to help authorities recognise and respond to prejudice directed at Muslims while protecting freedom of speech.
Under the government’s description, anti-Muslim hostility includes criminal acts such as violence, vandalism, harassment or intimidation directed at Muslims or people perceived to be Muslim. It also includes stereotyping Muslims as a single group defined by negative traits or engaging in discriminatory practices that disadvantage them in public life.
UK Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed told lawmakers that adopting a clear description of anti-Muslim hostility was necessary to confront the growing number of incidents targeting Muslim communities in Britain.
“Today, we are adopting a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility,” Steve Reed told the House of Commons.
“This gives a clear explanation of unacceptable prejudice, discrimination and hatred targeting Muslims, so we can take action to stop it.”
The definition is not legally binding but will serve as guidance for public bodies and institutions when responding to cases of harassment, discrimination or violence linked to religion.
Steve Reed said the measure aims to provide clarity without restricting legitimate public debate.
“The definition safeguards our fundamental right to freedom of speech about religion in general or any religion in particular and ensures that concerns raised in the public interest are protected,” he added.
RISING HATE CRIME FIGURES AGAINST MUSLIMS
The UK government announced this step after official statistics showed a sharp rise in religious hate crimes in England and Wales. Data released in October indicated that hate crimes recorded by police reached record levels in the year ending March 2025. Incidents targeting Muslims increased significantly, rising from 2,690 offences in the previous year to 3,199 cases.
Overall, nearly 4,500 offences were linked to hostility toward Muslims or people perceived to be Muslim, accounting for a large share of religiously motivated hate crimes reported to police. In terms of population rates, Jewish communities recorded the highest rate of religious hate crimes, with 106 offences per 10,000 people, while Muslims experienced the second-highest rate at 12 offences per 10,000 people.
The definition forms part of a wider social cohesion strategy the government describes as an effort to strengthen unity and shared values across British society.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also warned that tensions abroad, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, are being used by some to divide communities in Britain. He said the cohesion strategy was designed to prevent that.
“This is not just a reaction to this conflict, it is much broader, which is how we bring the country together,” Keir Starmer said.
NEW MEASURES FOR UNIVERSITIES
As part of the wider plan, the government also announced measures aimed at protecting students and staff on university campuses.
These include a confidential whistleblowing route allowing staff to report concerns about extremism or harassment, as well as a new “campus cohesion charter” designed to strengthen safeguards for open debate.
Steve Reed said the measures would help universities meet their obligations under the Prevent programme, which requires institutions to take steps to stop people from being drawn into terrorism.
With inputs from agencies
