As part of Islamophobia Awareness Month 2024, the Muslim Council of Britain was proud to join Afzal Khan MP and Amnesty International in hosting a powerful parliamentary drop-in session. The event brought together MPs from across parties, reaffirming their commitment to addressing the urgent and growing crisis of Islamophobia in the UK.
Ambassadors from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation attended, alongside outspoken figures Carla Denyer, Co-Leader of the Green Party, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, and MP Caroline Nokes, who have been vocal in their efforts to combat Islamophobia.
We were pleased to see MPs actively listening, engaging, and committing to understanding the widespread manifestations of Islamophobia. Dialogue remains a vital tool for connection and collaboration, and this session provided a valuable opportunity to discuss practical solutions to take us forward.
The stakes are higher than ever. The Home Office Hate Crime Report (March 2024) revealed that 3 in 5 religious hate crime offences targeted Muslims, making them the most targeted faith group in the UK. Meanwhile, the Muslim Women’s Network Anti-Muslim Hate Report 2024 highlighted that 73% of Muslim women reported heightened safety concerns following this summer’s riots—a drastic rise from 13% before the unrest.
The Southport riots were a particularly harrowing chapter, as emboldened far-right figures like Tommy Robinson fuelled hatred that left Muslim communities under siege. Mosques, local businesses, and community spaces were targeted with violence, creating an atmosphere of fear where many Muslims felt unsafe to step out of their homes.
Islamophobia is not a fringe issue—it is a systemic crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. Political parties must start by addressing Islamophobia within their own ranks, holding themselves accountable for the role they play in perpetuating harmful narratives. We continue to urge the Government to adopt the widely endorsed APPG on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia, a crucial step toward providing clear and consistent recognition of this form of hatred.
The MCB remains steadfast in its mission to engage parliamentarians and advocate for policies that safeguard the well-being and security of British Muslims. Addressing Islamophobia is not just about protecting one community—it is about upholding the values of justice, equality, and cohesion that define British society.
We extend our gratitude to Afzal Khan MP and Amnesty International for their leadership in making this event possible and to the MPs who joined us in standing against hate. Together, we must ensure that Islamophobia is challenged at every level—the cost of inaction is far too great.
Learn more about our efforts to tackle Islamophobia here.