MEND Statement: Government’s Anti-Muslim Hostility Definition Must Lead to Real Change

The government has unveiled its definition of “anti-Muslim hostility” aimed at addressing discrimination against Muslims. However, this represents a watered-down definition that falls short of what many Muslim organisations and experts have consistently called for in recognising and addressing Islamophobia.

The term Islamophobia remains the preferred and widely recognised term because it captures the breadth and structural nature of discrimination faced by Muslims across public life. Unlike “anti-Muslim hostility”, which suggests isolated acts of prejudice, Islamophobia reflects the reality that discrimination against Muslims often operates as racialised religious discrimination. Muslims, and those perceived to be Muslim, are frequently targeted because of how they are racialised in society. While the government’s definition touches on race and ethnicity, it does not recognise the racialisation of Muslims.

The key question now is how the definition will be implemented. If the government is serious about tackling Islamophobia, it must demonstrate that this framework will lead to meaningful change.

Muslim civil society organisations must be meaningfully involved in the process. They can no longer be sidelined and should be included in shaping guidance and training public sector bodies to recognise and respond to Islamophobia.

We are also concerned that this definition has been introduced alongside new counter-extremism powers within the Social Cohesion Strategy, including expanded measures affecting universities and new enforcement powers for the Charity Commission. These powers must not be used to police legitimate Muslim political expression or dissent, particularly around issues such as Palestine-Israel.

The government must now show, through transparent engagement and action, that this definition will genuinely protect Muslim communities.