The petition of residents of the constituency of Manchester Rusholme,
Declares that the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia, marked on 15 March, is an important reminder of the unacceptable levels of hatred, discrimination and abuse that Muslims, and those perceived to be Muslim, continue to face worldwide; further declares that public understanding is crucial to tackling prejudice; notes that 45% of religious hate crimes committed in the UK in 2025 were directed towards Muslims, representing a 19% increase on the previous year; further notes the recent rise in Islamophobic disinformation circulating online and in the media; further notes that the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia is marked by several governments worldwide, including the Government of Wales in 2025; further declares that recognising the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia would reaffirm the Government’s commitment to tackling all forms of racism and xenophobia, and encouraging a more tolerant and understanding society.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take action to support marking the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March across the UK.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Afzal Khan, Official Report, 10 March 2026; Vol. 782, c. 296.]
[P003168]
Observations from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Nesil Caliskan):
The Government recognise the significance of the UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia as a moment to reflect on the harms caused by anti-Muslim hostility and the importance of promoting tolerance, mutual respect and understanding.
As set out in our recent “Protecting What Matters” publication, in recent years our Muslim communities have faced growing hostility, discrimination and hate. This Government are committed to tackling anti-Muslim hostility wherever, and however, it manifests itself.
Our “Protecting What Matters” action plan outlines the suite of measures this Government are taking to tackle anti-Muslim hostility through action on hate crime, online harms, public order and strengthening local responses. Alongside the vital protections provided by existing law, we are tackling the wider cultural, educational and preventive work that stops religious hatred from taking root. We are taking sustained action to keep Muslims safe, support victims and challenge unacceptable prejudice, while ensuring that everyone’s rights, including freedom of expression, are protected.
We are making up to £1 million available in 2026-27 for funding the British Muslim Trust to provide a helpline to report incidents safely and access support. They are also working closely with partners across the country to help victims, listen to communities and ensure that every person can live free from fear and hatred.
We have already introduced new free access to the faith security training scheme to help Muslim institutions improve their safety and security. Up to £40 million is also being made available for protective security for Muslim communities in 2026-27.
We have also taken the historic step of adopting a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility. This will provide a clearer and more consistent understanding of anti-Muslim hostility. This definition is focused on protecting individuals rather than religion or belief and, by setting out clearer parameters, it supports a better understanding of when legitimate debate crosses into unacceptable hatred, prejudice or discrimination.
We are also increasing the support and funding we provide to programmes that directly tackle anti-Muslim hate, including the combating hate against Muslims fund. We are committing to making up to £4 million available to tackle anti-Muslim hostility and implementation of the definition, as a first step.
Furthermore, we will appoint a special representative on anti-Muslim hostility, to champion efforts across the UK to tackle hostility and hatred directed at Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. The special representative will engage with communities and stakeholders, and support cross-sector action to strengthen understanding, reporting and response. They will also lead on work to facilitate understanding and implementation of the definition of anti-Muslim hostility across various sectors and contexts.
To specifically recognise the UN International Day, on 19 March this year Deputy Ambassador to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, James Ford, reaffirmed in a statement to the OSCE the UK’s commitment to tackling anti-Muslim hostility and hatred and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination and the enjoyment of human rights for all. The statement can be read here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/combatting-anti-muslim-hatred-uk-statement-to-the-osce
Through these sustained actions, and by continuing to work closely with communities, we are demonstrating the Government’s commitment not only to recognising the harm caused by anti-Muslim hostility, but to delivering meaningful, long-term change.