Anti-racism activists take part in a “Stop Islamophobia, Stop the Hate” march in London. (Getty Images)
London, November 21 (RHC)-- One-third of Muslims in Britain say the recent far-right riots fueled by racist and Islamophobic attitudes have forced them to consider leaving the country, a survey says. The survey of 750 Muslims was conducted by by charity Tell Mama eight weeks after the Islamophobic riots that swept across England and the north of Ireland at the end of July and the beginning of August.
The poll found that 71% of respondents felt anti-Muslim hatred had grown more widespread since the unrest, which included attacks on mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers. The survey also revealed that 62% believed the risk of harm to Muslim communities had increased since the riots. However, 50% said they had become more open about their Muslim identity, mainly through discussions with friends and colleagues.
Iman Atta, director of Tell Mama said the British government should address the plight grappling the Muslim community across the UK. “Many British Muslims are very scared at the moment. They need our government to show it hears their fears, and is working to keep them safe,” Atta said. “This poll is proof of the terrifying impact anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia is having.”
In response, a government spokesperson admitted that “these results are extremely concerning." "Attacks and hatred against Muslim communities are unacceptable. All communities must feel safe, especially in places of worship, which is why we introduced the Protective Security for Mosques scheme and will continue to work to tackle racial and religious hatred.”
Speaking on a podcast in August, reflecting on the riots, former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf expressed doubts about his family’s future in the country and even the West.
Yousaf shared his concerns about rising far-right violence stating. “It’s felt utterly horrendous… I don’t know whether the future for me and my wife and my three children is going to be here in Scotland, the United Kingdom, or indeed in Europe and the West.”
The riots broke out following the killing of three little girls, stabbed as they attended a class a few hundred yards from the Southport mosque.
False reports that the attacker was a Muslim immigrant spread across social media, sparking nationwide violence against mosques and hotels sheltering asylum seekers.
Muslims accuse the government of “not only inciting hatred against migrants and asylum-seekers,” but also allowing former Home Secretary Suella Braverman to talk of an “Islamist takeover” of Britain.
