Tell MAMA, an independent organisation that tackles cases of Islamophobia, has recorded the highest number of anti-Muslim hate cases in 2024 since its founding.
The highest number of Islamophobic cases reported to Tell MAMA were in Greater London, almost doubling from 1,028 in 2023 to 1,819 in 2024.
Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Tell MAMA provides the ability for victims of anti-Muslim incidents to report and also receive support.
The counties shown have the highest recorded cases compared to other counties in the UK.
Director of Tell MAMA Iman Atta OBE said: “The rise in anti-Muslim hate is unacceptable, and this is deeply concerning for the future. We should never allow such hatred and intolerance to take root in our communities.
“We urge the public to stand together against hatred and extremism and we urge those in positions of influence and public authority to consider how their language risk stereotyping communities and how it influences discussions online and offline.”
The Metropolitan Police recorded no cases in Kingston or Richmond.
Both boroughs have some of the lowest overall crime rates in London, with Richmond reporting 75 crimes per 1,000 people and Kingston slightly higher at 80 per 1,000.
This may help explain the lack of Islamophobic offences recorded.
Kingston is also home to a vibrant and active Muslim community, supported by organisations like the Kingston Muslim Association and Kingston Muslim Youth who both offer safe and inclusive spaces for Muslims in the area.
There may also be an issue with reporting.
Fiyaz Mughal, the founder of Tell MAMA, said that often for “victims do not feel comfortable going to the police about their incidents”.
Additionally, The Metropolitan Police have said that often victims are unable to provide the actual location of a crime.
On 2 April the UK Government announced a new Combating Hatred Against Muslims fund to provide a comprehensive service to monitor incidents of anti-Muslim hate and support for victims.
The fund aims to improve monitoring of incidents, as a part of the government’s Plan for Change.
This measure could serve to improve the accuracy of recorded hate crime across all London boroughs, where discrepancies may still exist.
Minister for Faith, Lord Khan said: “Putting an end to the shocking rise of targeted attacks against Muslims requires a thorough understanding of the nature and scale of the hatred our Muslim communities face.
“That’s why we’re taking a crucial step forward this week to open this fund, seek new ideas and solutions and tackle this hatred head on.”
They will work to increase awareness of what hate crime is, so that victims are encouraged to identify incidents of Islamophobia and therefore be more comfortable in reporting them to the police.
Up to £650,000 funding will be made available in the 2025/26 financial year and up to one million pounds for 2026/27 and 2027/28.
