UNITED KINGDOM — Akeela Ahmed, head of the British Muslim Trust, stated that the United Kingdom is experiencing an unprecedented level of anti-Muslim hatred, relating it to an attack near a mosque in Edinburgh and a 19% rise in hate crimes in England and Wales. Five individuals sustained injuries in an attack near a mosque in Edinburgh last weekend, for which a man faces charges including five counts of attempted murder aggravated by a terrorist connection.

Ahmed, whose organization serves as the government's official monitor for anti-Muslim hatred, said: "We’re in an unprecedented situation since the Southport riots of 2024." She added: "The violence we’re seeing now really reminds me of that kind of racism, but this is also another level."

Home Office figures indicate a 19% increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes in England and Wales during the 12 months leading up to March 2025. In Scotland, nearly one-third of all religious hate crimes targeted Muslims. The British Muslim Trust documented 27 attacks against 25 mosques across 23 different parts of the country over a three-month period last year. A survey conducted by the trust found that 56% of Muslims reported experiencing religious prejudice in the past year.

Incidents reported in the past six months include attempted firebombings, vandalism, and violent attacks targeting mosques in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Blackburn, Manchester, Liverpool, Shrewsbury, and east London. An alleged firebomb attack targeted an imam’s family home in Bolton. Additionally, the car of political activist Salma Yaqoob was set on fire in Birmingham, and a pig’s head was left outside a Muslim family’s home in Stockport within the last six months. Reports also detailed instances of hijabs being removed by force, women being harassed on public transport, and others experiencing harassment or being filmed in public.

During the May local elections in England in 2025, a canvasser in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham was told by a resident that she should be hanged after confirming she was Muslim. Opposition Leader Keir Starmer told parliament that the Edinburgh mosque attack appeared to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. Independent MP Shockat Adam inquired during prime minister’s questions why a Cobra meeting had not been convened regarding the Edinburgh attack.

Earlier this year, the government adopted a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hatred. A government spokesperson stated that ministers are taking action to address anti-Muslim hatred. The government has allocated £40 million for protective security at places of worship and £4 million for programs specifically aimed at tackling anti-Muslim hatred. Ministers have also launched a social cohesion action plan that includes measures to address anti-Muslim hatred.