New report indicates surge in anti-Muslim attacks in UK during 2024
Islamophobic assaults in the UK rose sharply by 73% in 2024, according to anti-hate crime charity Tell MAMA. The organization recorded 6,313 reports of anti-Muslim hate, a 43% increase from 2023, with 5,837 cases verified.
Iman Atta, director of Tell MAMA, described the current climate as the “most dangerous” time to be Muslim in Britain, citing the normalization of Islamophobic rhetoric in politics and the spread of far-right conspiracy theories online.
According to The Guardian, Atta highlighted that extremists are sharing tactics to target Muslim communities, including attacking mosques and evading law enforcement.
The surge in hate crimes has left many Muslims, particularly visibly Muslim women, fearing public spaces. Tell MAMA also noted disproportionate hostility toward Muslim politicians, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and MP Zarah Sultana.
Despite the rise in hate crimes, Atta emphasized growing Muslim pride in identity and praised community solidarity following last summer’s Southport riots. Meanwhile, the Community Security Trust reported 3,528 antisemitic incidents in 2024, an 18% drop from 2023 but still the second-highest annual total.
Atta called for unity between Muslim and Jewish communities against right-wing extremism, warning that online misinformation is fueling real-world violence. The charity’s data underscores an alarming trend, with threatening behavior reports surging by 328% in 2024.
Islam is the second-largest religion in the United Kingdom, with results from the 2021 Census recording just under four million Muslims, or 6.0% of the total population in the United Kingdom.
