New fund launched to tackle hatred against Muslims

A new fund has been launched to provide a comprehensive service to monitor anti-Muslim hate and support victims.

Last year. Police-recorded hate crime statistics found that almost two in five of all religious hate crimes targeted Muslims - an increase of 13 per cent in comparison to the year before.

Up-to-date and detailed information on incidents and drivers of this form of hatred will play a role in helping the government to combat anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia and ensure Muslim communities feel safe and supported.

The fund's establishment is also part of the government's plan to create safer streets as part of the Plan for Change.

Applications open on 7 April for a single organisation, or a group of organisations to work together to deliver an accurate record of hate incidents across England. As well as monitoring and reporting incidents, the grant recipient will work to increase awareness of what hate crime is, encourage victims to come forward to report incidents, and facilitate support for victims of hate.

Minister for Faith, Lord Khan, said: “Putting an end to the shocking rise of targeted attacks against Muslims requires a thorough understanding of the nature and scale of the hatred our Muslim communities face.  

“That’s why we’re taking a crucial step forward this week to open this fund, seek new ideas and solutions and tackle this hatred head on.  

“Combatting this unacceptable rise of religiously motivated hatred will create a more tolerant and understanding society for everyone, making our streets safer and delivering on our Plan for Change.”