Concerns are rising in the UK as the government’s anti-Muslim hatred working group (AMHWG) has been “on pause” since 2020, despite a drastic surge in hate crimes.
Members of the AMHWG expressed their concern over the failure of Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Leveling Up, Housing and Communities, to restart the group that last met in January 2020 and tackle the sharp rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Reports showed a 335% increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes in the UK since Palestinian resistance movements launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the Israeli regime in early October in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.
“At this time of heightened fear, anxiety and tensions, the government should be doing its utmost to fulfill its statutory obligations and responsibilities towards all communities,” Akeela Ahmed, chair of the AMHWG, said.
“Yet when it comes to British Muslims, this simply isn’t happening. Since Theresa May’s premiership, the government’s reluctance to address Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred has become increasingly outlandish. Even when condemning the MP Lee Anderson for his remarks about the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Rishi Sunak was unable to name either,” she added.
AMHWG was formed during the tenure of Prime Minister David Cameron in 2012. It aims to address anti-Muslim hatred and monitor hate crime and the police forces’ records of it, as well as examine initiatives to prevent it.
