Headlines
Britain sets new definition of anti-Muslim hostility
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 10, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 10, 2026
Quick Summary
Britain has unveiled a non‑statutory advisory definition of “anti‑Muslim hostility” to guide institutions in identifying abuse targeting Muslims—amid a record rise in religious hate crimes, with Muslim victims comprising nearly half of such offences in the year ending March 2025.
Britain Sets Official Definition of Anti-Muslim Hostility Amid Record Abuse
By Sam Tabahriti
Britain's New Advisory Definition of Anti-Muslim Hostility
LONDON, March 10 (Reuters) - Britain has set out a new advisory definition of what it calls anti-Muslim hostility, a long-anticipated step in its plan to clarify how authorities should identify and address abuse targeting Muslims, which is at record levels.
Background and Political Context
The move follows years of political deadlock over how to define anti-Muslim hatred in a way that helps consistent application of the law, but does not shut down or criminalise open debate about Islamist extremism.
Hate Crime Statistics
There were almost 4,500 hate crimes targeting Muslims in the year ending March 2025, accounting for nearly half of all religiously motivated offences in England and Wales. This data also includes people wrongly assumed to be Muslim.
Key Elements of the New Definition
Scope of the Definition
The new definition, which is not legally binding, includes criminal acts such as violence, vandalism, harassment, intimidation and prejudicial stereotyping that is directed at Muslims or people perceived to be Muslim.
Government's Position
The government said the definition was needed to protect people from "unacceptable hostile behaviour that seeks to intimidate and divide," and that rights to free expression were unchanged.
Protection of Free Expression
Lawful criticism of religious beliefs, including Islam, remained protected, it added.
Reactions to the Definition
Political and Community Responses
Opposition lawmakers said the definition risked creating a "blasphemy law" and blurred the line between legitimate criticism of religious beliefs and unlawful hate speech.
Muslim, Jewish and humanist groups said the definition was a constructive step that would help institutions respond more consistently to abuse, provided it was implemented carefully and without curbing free expression.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by William James)
Key Takeaways
- •Almost half of religious hate crimes in England and Wales in the year to March 2025 targeted Muslims (approximately 4,478 offences), marking a sharp rise over the previous year. (gov.uk)
- •The new advisory definition—covering violence, vandalism, harassment, intimidation, and prejudicial stereotyping—is non‑binding and intended to clarify identification of anti‑Muslim hostility without restricting free expression. (news.sky.com)
- •Supporters including Muslim, Jewish, and humanist groups see the definition as a constructive tool for consistent responses, while critics—especially opposition lawmakers—warn it risks blurring lines between legitimate criticism and hate speech, raising fears over a back‑door ‘blasphemy’ effect. (news.sky.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Britain sets new definition of anti-Muslim hostility
1What is the new definition of anti-Muslim hostility in Britain?
Britain's new definition includes criminal acts like violence, vandalism, harassment, intimidation, and prejudicial stereotyping directed at Muslims or those perceived as Muslim.
2Is the new anti-Muslim hostility definition legally binding?
No, the new advisory definition is not legally binding. It serves as guidance for identifying and addressing anti-Muslim abuse.
3Does the new definition affect free expression or criticism of Islam?
No, lawful criticism of religious beliefs, including Islam, remains protected under the new definition.
4How many hate crimes targeting Muslims were recorded in England and Wales?
Almost 4,500 hate crimes targeting Muslims were recorded in the year ending March 2025, representing nearly half of all religiously motivated offences.
5Why did Britain introduce a new definition of anti-Muslim hostility?
Britain introduced the definition to provide clear guidance for authorities and ensure consistent application of laws while protecting free speech.
