UK launches new fund to combat anti-Muslim hate

Government pledges £1 million annually to monitor Islamophobia

LONDON (MNTV) — The U.K. government has announced £1 million in annual funding for a new initiative aimed at tracking anti-Muslim hate incidents and supporting victims.

The Combatting Hatred Against Muslims Fund will provide resources to document Islamophobic attacks, raise awareness, and ensure that affected communities receive assistance. 

The announcement comes amid a surge in Islamophobic incidents in the U.K., with police recording record-high cases this year.

The new fund follows the government’s decision to withdraw financial support from Tell Mama, a previous Islamophobia monitoring service. 

Reports last year suggested the organization had underreported anti-Muslim hate crimes, leading to criticism of its effectiveness. 

The government says the new initiative will offer a more accurate record of hate incidents across England.

Applications for funding will open next week for a single organization or a coalition of groups working together to monitor and address anti-Muslim hate. 

The selected recipient will track Islamophobic incidents, encourage victims to report attacks, and provide direct support. 

Up to £650,000 will be available for the 2025-26 financial year, rising to £1 million in subsequent years.

Religious hate crimes have spiked in the U.K. since the Gaza war began in October 2023. 

Police figures show that nearly two in five religious hate crimes in England and Wales last year targeted Muslims, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.

Earlier this year, the U.K. government also established a working group to define anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia, aiming to create a clearer framework for addressing the issue.