Press Release – 28/08/2024
In light of the recent far-right riots, 80 Muslim organisations and community leaders have come together to demand immediate and concrete action from the government to tackle the growing threat of Islamophobia. The alarming rise in hate and violence towards Muslims has exposed the dangerous normalisation of Islamophobia in society, which fueled these attacks.
The situation is critical. We call on the government to take the following urgent actions:
- Adopt the APPG Definition of Islamophobia: The government must officially adopt the APPG definition, without delay, to send a clear message that Islamophobia will not be tolerated. The normalisation of anti-Muslim sentiment has been a key driver of the recent violence.
- Launch an Independent Review: An independent investigation into far-right activities is urgently needed, focusing on the role of social media platforms, mainstream media, and political narratives in perpetuating hate and Islamophobia.
- Engage with Muslim Communities: The government must engage directly with legitimate, democratically elected representatives of Muslim communities, particularly the Muslim Council of Britain, to ensure that Muslim voices are heard and addressed.
Islamophobia has surged alarmingly in recent months, culminating in serious far-right attacks. It is essential that the government takes immediate steps to build a strong, collaborative relationship with Muslim communities, fostering unity and ensuring that all groups feel represented and heard.
This is a pivotal moment. The time for action is now. A spokesperson for the Islamophobia Action Group said:
“Islamophobia has fueled the recent far-right riots, and the consequences are clear and dangerous. The government must act now by adopting the APPG definition of Islamophobia; investigate far-right activities; and engage directly with Muslim communities and their national representatives. This is a critical moment to address the root causes of hate and to protect our society.”
[End]
Notes to editors:
- The Islamophobia Action Group (IAG) was formed in response to the violent far-right riots that took place over the UK in August 2024 when Muslim communities and their places of worship came under serious attack. As Islamophobia has increased significantly and was the key driver of the far-right violence towards both Muslims and minority communities, a group of Muslim organisations began to coordinate collective action in the face of a very serious threat.
- For media queries, interviews or for further information, email islamophobiag@gmail.com
