Edinburgh Anti-Muslim Attacks

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Excerpts

Wednesday 24th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Gohir]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the factors that contributed to the attacks on Muslims in Edinburgh on 19 June; and what steps they are taking to prevent the normalisation of anti-Muslim hatred, violence and discrimination.

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Forsyth of Drumlean)]

My Lords, before inviting the Minister to respond to the noble Baroness’s topical Question, which is about the attack on Muslims in Edinburgh last week, I remind the House that no reference should be made to the criminal case currently before the courts in relation to the individual charged with the attack. Noble Lords are free to discuss the general issue, but the specific case remains sub judice.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Lord Lemos) (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government are deeply concerned by the attacks in Edinburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured and the wider community, as well as the families of the injured. Investigations are live but I can confirm that a suspect has been arrested and charged. On behalf of the Government, I thank the police and the emergency services for their response. We are continuing close engagement with the Scottish Government on this concerning incident, and we are working with police partners and communities to tackle anti-Muslim hostility, support victims and strengthen cohesion.