Rising Racism Against Muslim Healthcare Workers in the UK Following Far-Right Riots

Muslim healthcare professionals in the UK are facing a disturbing surge in racism, Arab News reported yesterday citing the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA).

This increase follows a week of riots spurred by misinformation about a knife attack in Southport, which falsely implicated a Muslim asylum-seeker. The actual perpetrator was later identified as a Cardiff-born Christian.

Dr. Salman Waqar, president of BIMA, highlighted that many medical staff now live in fear, with some altering their work routines for safety. Reports of individuals closing surgeries early and avoiding home visits have become common. The British Egyptian Medical Association echoed these concerns, noting heightened anxiety among its members, particularly those in frontline roles.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned racial abuse against medical staff, asserting that offenders should be barred from NHS facilities. Both BIMA and the NHS Muslim Women’s Network have called for official recognition of rising Islamophobia, stressing the need for protective measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers.