Islamophobia - it’s time to reclaim the narrative

In August 2024 Britain was shut down by the worst race riots in over a century. A horrific campaign to stoke hate and division against the Muslim community was orchestrated by the extreme far right racists and xenophobes influenced through mass media campaigns and their open anti-Muslim rhetoric. 

Between 30th July and 7th August 2024, anti-immigration demonstrations and riots took place across 27 towns and cities in the UK. Many of these were violent with the intent to terrify communities, rioters were attacking mosques and hurling missiles at hotels housing asylum seekers.

These riots were described as ‘isolated incidents’ and ‘far-right thuggery’ but it is not the first time Muslims in the UK have been subjected to such targeted wide-spread racist violence. The riots have triggered previous memories of brutal hate crimes experienced by Muslims in the 1960s, 70s, 80’s, 90’s and the 2000’s and have resulted in re-traumatising generations of Muslims.  Although the riots may have paused, the rapid growth of hostility towards Muslim communities has now become normalised and entrenched across British society.

The global rise of the extreme far-right rhetoric is impacting the British political landscape. Championed by the media and high-profile influential figures, this is creating the environment for a potential widespread anti-Muslim pogrom. In such turbulent times if Muslims are left without a robust structure and legal framework to clearly identify what constitutes prejudice against them, the consequences for the safety of Muslims in Britain is potentially catastrophic.

So how well are Muslims in Britain protected against hate and racism?

The term ‘Islamophobia’ is not fit for purpose. It is not established into legal frameworks; it provides no legal protection for Muslims in Britain, opening the floodgates for Muslim hate to be amplified without major repercussions.  

In the UK consecutive governments and political parties have failed to prioritise the urgency of legal protection for Muslims against hate crimes. In order to safeguard the Muslim community it is essential to establish a policy that recognises, legally binds and defines what constitutes hate crimes against Muslims, in the same way other communities are currently protected in Britain today. 

So, is it phobia or hate?

The term ‘Islamophobia’ does not represent the actual crimes of hate, racism, prejudice and violence against Muslims. In fact, it is subject to ridicule and aligned with other life phobias. It is no longer accepted as a force for driving equality and protection for Muslims in Britain.  We cannot move forward without addressing this failure. A new term is required.