Three-quarters of Muslims now express serious concerns about their safety, according to a recent survey—an increase of nearly 60% since the far-right riots that spread across the UK.
The Muslim Women’s Network conducted a survey of 200 members to gauge their feelings of safety both before and after the riots. The results show a dramatic shift in perceptions following the unrest.
Before the riots, only 16% of respondents said they were very worried about their safety. However, this number has surged to 75% in the wake of the violence, reflecting a significant rise in fear and anxiety within the community.
Nearly one in five Muslims surveyed reported encountering hostility since the Southport stabbings. The violence was fueled by misinformation about the main suspect in the attack, which triggered several days of rioting across the UK.
Sky News spoke with two British Muslim women who were at the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool on 2 August. This was one of the sites where clashes occurred between far-right protesters and counter-demonstrators.
Lila Tamea, a 26-year-old PhD student, was among the worshippers and volunteers at the mosque that day. She recalled being advised to stay away from the windows due to the possibility of bricks being thrown by protesters.
“There was almost a sense that the police weren’t going to protect us,” Lila said, expressing her concern. Despite this, she highlighted the importance of the support shown by the wider community. “It was really important that there was that show of solidarity from not just the Muslim community but also from many non-Muslims who came out that Friday to defend the mosque.”
Amina Atiq, a 29-year-old poet, shared her experience and frustration over the situation. She felt it was unfair that her community did not have the chance to grieve properly for the three young girls who lost their lives in the Southport stabbings.
“Because soon after that, we felt as if we were more suspect to that attack,” Amina explained, reflecting the added burden the Muslim community felt in the aftermath of the violence.
Both women emphasized the need for greater protection and understanding, calling for more efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the Muslim community in the face of rising hostility and extremism.
Amina also expressed deep frustration with the rioters’ rhetoric, asking, “How am I supposed to convince you to see me as a human being?” Her words highlight the profound sense of dehumanization felt by many in the face of such hostility.
Baroness Shaista Gohir, chief executive of the Muslim Women’s Network, has urged the government to take a closer look at its current hate crime legislation. She emphasized that hate crimes have been on the rise over the past decade, with the existing Hate Crime Strategy becoming increasingly outdated and insufficient in addressing the problem.
“The increase in hate crimes over the last ten years is alarming, and the current Hate Crime Strategy is no longer fit for purpose,” Baroness Gohir explained. She believes that the government must take urgent action to address this growing issue.
Baroness Gohir also called for a strengthening of hate crime laws, specifically advocating for a clearer definition of the term ‘hostility.’ “I want to see hate crime legislation bolstered, with the term ‘hostility’ clearly defined, so that it leaves no room for ambiguity,” she added.