ITV Poll: Nearly Half of British Muslims Do Not Fully Feel Sense of Belonging Amid Rising Islamophobia Fears

ITV Poll: Nearly Half of British Muslims Do Not Fully Feel Sense of Belonging Amid Rising Islamophobia Fears
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A recent survey broadcast by ITV has revealed a significant decline in the sense of belonging among Muslims in the United Kingdom, amid growing concerns over Islamophobia and religious hate crimes.

According to the findings, only 51.9% of Muslim respondents said they feel a sense of belonging to the UK, while 25.6% expressed a neutral view. Meanwhile, 17.6% said they do not feel they belong, including 2.8% who stated they feel no sense of belonging at all.

The survey, described as one of the most wide-ranging recent socio-economic studies of British Muslims, also highlighted pessimism about the future. Just 8.2% of participants reported optimism, while nearly 60% expressed pessimistic views. Among young people aged 18 to 24, pessimism rose to nearly two-thirds, pointing to a widening generational gap in perceptions of security and inclusion.

Researchers linked these attitudes to a perceived increase in hostility toward Muslims. Many respondents cited feelings of fear, exclusion, and insecurity, while anonymous testimonies described verbal abuse, physical assaults, and reluctance to openly express religious identity in public spaces.

The findings mark a sharp shift from a 2016 survey by Ipsos MORI, which found that 93% of British Muslims felt a sense of belonging at the time.

The results come as the UK Home Office reported record annual levels of religious hate crimes, while reports from Tell MAMA in 2025 warned that anti-Muslim incidents had reached unprecedented levels.

Community leaders and integration experts have called for renewed efforts to combat hate crime, promote equality, and rebuild trust, stressing that responsible political discourse and fair policies are essential to restoring a shared sense of national belonging.