By Maira Butt
The British Muslim Trust has been formally appointed by the government to monitor anti-Muslim hate crimes across the UK.
The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government is funding the organisation to undertake independent monitoring of anti-Muslim hate, engage with affected communities, and publish regular public reports based on robust data and analysis.
The British Muslim Trust (BMT), founded by the Randeree Charitable Trust and Aziz Foundation, describes its mission as “tacking anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia and amplifying hope”.
It will be headed by Akeela Ahmed, co-founder of the British Muslim Network, and philanthropist Shabir Randeree. The trust describes its vision as: “Working towards a country where everyone, including British Muslims, live free from hatred and thrive as equal members of society.”
The news comes after the Muslim community faced the highest number of hate crimes it had ever encountered on record last year, a period that included summer riots after the murder of three girls in Southport, when mosques and Muslims were attacked.
The soaring figures prompted the government to set up a working group on the definition of Islamophobia; its findings will be released over the summer.
The former faith minister Baroness Warsi has welcomed the announcement, saying it is a “very encouraging moment for community cohesion in the UK, and the British Muslim Trust has my complete support in taking this work forward”.
She said: “The year-on-year rise in anti-Muslim attacks, the violence and hate targeting Muslims in the summer riots of 2024 and the outpouring of anti-Muslim racism and abuse online, demands that we do more to tackle this growing and pernicious form of racism and hate in our country.
“Action taken in response to this form of hatred must be rooted in evidence, shaped by experience, and led by those who have earned the trust and respect of the communities most affected. The British Muslim Trust is well-placed to take on the task — its leadership understands both the urgency of this problem and the need to approach it with integrity, independence, and compassion.”
There are several groups which already undertake work on Islamophobia. Majid Iqbal, chief executive of the Islamophobia Response Unit, urged collaboration: “We recognise that addressing Islamophobia requires broad collaboration. We therefore hope that BMT will be given the time and space to establish its approach, and that its work will complement the efforts of frontline organisations like ours, which have long supported victims through direct casework, advocacy, and legal intervention.”
The Muslim Council of Britain issued a statement saying: “For too long, there has been significant mistrust and doubts from many in the Muslim community at the grassroots level towards Government-appointed interlocutors in this space. It’s encouraging that the current Government is taking steps to address this, however, there are many years of mistrust that need to be untangled”.
Among the organisations to support the new initiative is British Future. Its director, Sunder Katwala, welcomed the role of the BMT “not just in monitoring hatred but in helping us all play an effective role in shrinking it” and leading to a “more cohesive shared society from hatred for us all”.
Nick Lowles chief executive of Hope Not Hate, said: “Anti-Muslim hatred remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous forms of hate in the UK today. Tackling it requires credible, independent monitoring and real engagement with the communities most affected. The British Muslim Trust brings the experience, expertise and integrity required to do exactly that.”
Sharing his reaction to the announcement, Afzal Khan, the Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme, said the trust “brings together respected leaders with a wealth of experience in monitoring and promoting community cohesion,” adding: “I was glad to hear the British Muslim Trust was appointed by the government to continue this important work.”
Abdurahman Sayed, chief executive of the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre Trust, Ismael Lea South, director of the Salam Project, and Brendan Cox, campaigner and widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, also welcomed the appointment.
Lord Rook of the Good Faith Partnership said: “The British Muslim Trust is seeking to combine grassroots credibility with practical expertise. This is exactly what is needed if we are to tackle anti-Muslim hatred and build a society where every citizen is valued and respected.”
In April this year, the government announced that up to £650,000 funding would be made available in the 2025-26 financial year, and up to £1 million per year financial year for 2026-27 and 2027-28, through the Combating Hate Against Muslims Fund, which was established this year.
The BMT will begin publishing quarterly hate crime reports from early next year.
“We’re proud to have been appointed to deliver this important work,” Mr Randeree said. “Tackling anti-Muslim hatred is essential to building safer, more inclusive communities. The British Muslim Trust will work with partners across the country to support victims, listen to communities, and help ensure that every person can live free from fear and hatred.
Ms Ahmed added: “For too long, anti-Muslim hate has been under-recognised and under-reported. The BMT exists to change that — by listening to communities, amplifying their voices, and working with partners across society to ensure that no one is left to face hate alone. We are here to stand with victims and help shape a more inclusive, united Britain for all.”
updated 210725 to include MCB response
