The UK government has introduced a new definition of ‘anti-Muslim hostility’ as part of a wider plan to tackle rising hate crime and strengthen social cohesion across the country. The plan will help authorities recognize and counter bias against Muslims while protecting freedom of speech.
According to the government, anti-Muslim hostility includes criminal acts such as violence, vandalism, harassment and intimidation aimed at Muslims or people perceived to be Muslims. It also includes stereotyping Muslims as a single group defined by negative characteristics or engaging in discriminatory practices that disadvantage Muslims in public life.
Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, told lawmakers that adopting a clearer account of anti-Muslim hostility was necessary to tackle the growing number of incidents targeting Muslim communities in the UK.
“Today we adopted a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility,” Steve Reed said on the House floor.
“This provides a clear picture of the unacceptable prejudice, discrimination and hatred targeting Muslims, so we can take action to stop it.”
This definition is not legally binding, but will serve as guidance for public authorities and agencies when responding to instances of harassment, discrimination or violence related to religion.
Steve Reed said the bill aims to provide clarity without limiting legitimate public debate.
He added: “This definition protects our fundamental right to freedom of speech regarding religion in general or religion in particular and ensures that concerns raised in the public interest are protected.”
Hate crimes against Muslims increase
The UK government announced the measures after official figures showed a surge in religious hate crimes in England and Wales. Data released in October showed police-recorded hate crimes reached record levels in the year ending March 2025. Incidents targeting Muslims increased significantly from 2,690 the previous year to 3,199.
In total, nearly 4,500 crimes involved hostility towards Muslims or people perceived as Muslim, making up a significant proportion of religiously motivated hate crimes reported to police. As a percentage of population, the Jewish community had the highest rate of religious hate crimes at 106 per 10,000, while Muslims had the second highest rate at 12 per 10,000.
The definition forms part of a wider social cohesion strategy, which the government describes as an effort to strengthen unity and shared values across British society.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that tensions abroad, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, are being used by some to divide communities in the UK. He said solidarity strategies were designed to prevent this.
Keir Starmer said: “This is not simply a response to this conflict, it is much broader and this is how we bring the country together.”
New measures for universities
As part of the wider plan, the government has also announced measures to protect students and staff on university campuses.
This includes a confidential whistle-blowing channel for employees to report concerns about extremism or harassment, and a new “Campus Solidarity Charter” designed to strengthen safeguards for public discussion.
Steve Reed said the move would help universities meet their obligations under the Prevention Program, which requires them to take steps to prevent people from becoming involved in terrorism.
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Based on the agency’s opinion