As November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), The Cordoba Foundation reaffirms its full support for national and community efforts to highlight the dangers, injustices, and corrosive impact of Islamophobia in all its forms. Launched in 2012 by a coalition, including The Cordoba Foundation, IAM is today a flagship scheme that works to challenge stereotypes and raise awareness of Islamophobia and the impact of hate crimes against Muslims.
The Cordoba Foundation warns that the rise and entrenchment of Islamophobia — in political discourse, media representation, public policy, and everyday life — pose a serious and direct threat to the safety, security, and social cohesion of the United Kingdom. If left unchallenged, such prejudice risks eroding trust between communities, fuelling extremism, and damaging the country’s global reputation as a beacon of fairness and pluralism.
The Cordoba Foundation therefore calls upon:
- Government institutions to adopt a clear and consistent definition of Islamophobia that is acceptable by Muslim organisations. A formal definition is key to addressing the alarming rate of anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination faced by British Muslims.
It would be timely and relevant to adopt such a definition this month, without delay, as we mark the Islamophobia Awareness Month.
- Media organisations to exercise responsibility and balance in their reporting on Muslim communities.
- Citizens to reject fearmongering and instead embrace understanding, coexistence, and shared responsibility for the wellbeing of our society.
Managing Director of The Cordoba Foundation, Dr Abdullah Faliq, remarked, “given the surge in Far-Right and rightwing populism in Britain, Reform UK could effectively disrupt the duopoly of Labour and the Conservatives with Nigel Farage predicted to be the next Prime Minister. This is not scaremongering; recent polls and political analysis point to a Farage premiership unless we all work hard to stop the Far-Right tide which will have devastating consequences for everyone, especially Muslims.”
Faliq added, “Not surprisingly, UKIP and related Far-Right groups have long had a symbolic interest in areas with Muslim concentration such as Tower Hamlets in East London, frequently attempting to stage events and demonstrations near mosques. Thankfully last weekend’s advertised UKIP march in Tower Hamlets was stopped by the Met Police. A victory parade, organised by the United East End coalition and supported by The Cordoba Foundation, saw a peaceful victory event with many thousands in attendance in a show of strength, unity and diversity.”
The Cordoba Foundation stands with all partners, activists, and communities working tirelessly to ensure that the United Kingdom remains a country where every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can live with dignity, security, and equal opportunity.
The Cordoba Foundation, London
1st November 2025
