UK takes a step toward protecting Muslims from rising hate

Finally, after years of foot-dragging, the UK government has published an official definition of anti-Muslim hostility. This sparked howls of derision and anger from the right, perhaps fearful this would restrict their favorite pastime of unashamed Muslim bashing.

This is a nonstatutory definition. It is not legally binding but it can assist government agencies in identifying hatred and discrimination. This is to enhance social cohesion at a time when, as in many other societies, it is at risk of breaking down.

It is the result of the considered efforts of a working group that the Labour government set up to look into the matter and propose a definition. This means that the definition can be enhanced to answer any concerns. A tsar will be appointed to oversee this.

Why is it needed? Government figures show that hate crimes targeting Muslims are at a record high. Over the last 12 months, they have increased by almost 20 percent to 4,478 crimes. These, of course, only relate to those that are reported. As ever, many attacks are directed against Muslim women or those perceived to be, including the ripping off of hijabs. Many British Muslims are told to go back home, as if they are foreigners and not genuine citizens.

Many British Muslims are told to go back home, as if they are foreigners and not genuine citizens

Chris Doyle

Cast one’s eyes across recent news headlines in Britain and incidents are not hard to find. Last month, a man was arrested for entering Manchester Central Mosque with an array of weapons. Attacks on mosques are becoming more frequent. At a recent Leeds United football match, many people in the crowd booed when the game was paused to allow Muslim players to break their fast. There have also been a host of smaller incidents, such as when a man placed bacon on the glass door of a Bristol mosque during prayer time.

In much of the public discourse, especially online but also in the media, Muslims are often treated as a single group with negative characteristics. References abound to there being a “British Muslim vote,” ignoring the diversity of political viewpoints across these communities. Stereotypes of Muslims as uniquely violent, anti-Western or anti-women are typical.

The defeat of the Labour Party in a recent historic by-election in Manchester, won by the Green Party, was largely blamed on “the Muslim vote,” as if there was one single bloc. The reaction of Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was one of the most alarming. She said: “Labour created the monster of harvesting Muslim community bloc votes and yesterday that monster came back to bite them.”

Anti-Muslim hatred is particularly prevalent on the political right. The Conservative Party has long had a serious issue with Islamophobia, which it has failed to deal with. But centrist parties such as Labour do not have a great record either.

The far right has screamed that the new definition gives Muslims a unique special status. This is far from true. The government adopted the controversial International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism 10 years ago. Considering that there are far more British Muslims than Jews, one has to question why it has taken so long to agree a definition to protect Muslims. The EU has had a coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred since 2015.

The Conservative Party has long had a serious issue with Islamophobia, which it has failed to deal with

Chris Doyle

Others argue that this is a blasphemy law via the back door. Yet the definition could not be clearer that it is to protect hostility against a people, not to penalize those who criticize the specifics of a faith. It tackles violent and offensive conduct against Muslims just for being Muslims.

A definition alone will never be enough, nor will an anti-Muslim hostility tsar. It helps to identify the problem and the challenge but will not cure the problem.

Britain’s political leaders must lead by example and ensure that the public understands the clear difference between the majority of law-abiding, peaceful Muslims and the minority of Islamist extremists. The record was better on this 20 years ago.

It is time for a greater focus from politicians and the media on the terrific achievements of British Muslims and a bigger effort to ensure they are very much a positive part of British society. Polls consistently show that British Muslims feel more loyal to the UK and are more pro-democracy than the rest of the population. British Muslims are increasingly registering achievements in all walks of life. There are today more elected Muslim politicians and more successful businessmen, journalists and cultural figures than ever before. Many remember the historic mayoral election victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York, but Sadiq Khan is a three-term British Muslim mayor of London.

Other countries in Europe and America should also take note. They too have to deal with the challenge of rising anti-Muslim hatred.

British Muslims have a chance to build on this. The definition should help but must not be abused. Reporting mechanisms can be further professionalized. Constructive efforts will ensure institutions adopt and implement the definition. Collaborating further with other communities that suffer from hate crime is essential.

• Chris Doyle is director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding in London. X: @Doylech