London . In Britain, the government’s inability to define Islamophobia i.e. hatred against Muslims is once again in the news. In February 2025, the British government created a working group to define “anti-Muslim hatred/Islamophobia”, which was to submit its report by August. But no clear definition has emerged yet.
A recent BBC report claimed that the government will not use the word “Islamophobia” in this definition and will instead choose words like “anti-Muslim hostility.” Experts and human rights activists believe that this step is extremely weak and dangerous, as it could condone hatred against Islam. According to author and historian James Renton, the root of racism against Muslims is hatred of Islam. At a time when cases of attacks on Muslims are continuously increasing in Britain, the government’s avoidance of this issue is a matter of grave concern. Religious hate crimes against Muslims in England and Wales have risen sharply over the past two years, according to official figures. A further increase of 13 percent in these cases was recorded by March 2024 and 19 percent by March 2025. Experts say that these figures may be less than the actual situation. Critics allege that the British government takes a tough stance against anti-Jewish hatred, but does not show the same political resolve regarding the safety of Muslims and Islamophobia. In 2016, the government adopted an international definition of anti-Semitism, but procrastination continues when it comes to Islamophobia.
Experts believe that unless the government clearly defines Islamophobia, the growing hatred and violence against Muslims will not be effectively stopped.
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