Reports from some of the UK’s largest police forces show a sharp rise in religious hate crimes over the past 18 months, with significant spikes linked to international and domestic events.
Figures reveal increases in both antisemitic and Islamophobic offences, highlighting growing tensions across the country.
The outbreak of the Hamas-Israel conflict in autumn 2023 triggered a surge in antisemitic incidents. Police forces such as Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and the Metropolitan Police recorded dramatic increases in hate crimes during October and November 2023.
Similarly, Islamophobic offences spiked following the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024, which resulted in three young girls losing their lives and widespread disorder across towns and cities.
Data obtained by PA Media through freedom of information requests paints a worrying picture:
Greater Manchester Police: Antisemitic offences jumped from an average of 13 per month in early 2023 to 85 in October, while Islamophobic offences rose from 39 per month in early 2024 to 85 in August.
West Yorkshire Police: Antisemitic offences surged from six per month in early 2023 to 44 in October, with Islamophobic incidents climbing from 39 per month to 94 in August 2024.
Metropolitan Police: Before changing its recording methods in early 2024, antisemitic offences averaged 54 per month in 2023, spiking to 517 in October.
Islamophobic incidents in 2024 rose from an average of 116 per month to 190 in August.
Although methodologies vary across forces, year-on-year increases in hate crimes were consistently reported.
Community Leaders Voice Concern
Dave Rich from the Community Security Trust (CST) noted that the surge in antisemitic incidents was particularly concerning given the relatively small size of Jewish communities in affected areas.
“This kind of anti-Jewish hatred should be unacceptable to all,” he stated, adding that the CST would continue working with police and communities to combat the issue.
Iman Atta, director of Tell Mama, which monitors anti-Muslim hate, criticised the lack of effective action against Islamophobia.
“Anti-Muslim hate repeatedly spikes during international crises and far-right agitation,” she said. “Yet, it is treated as though it is not the significant problem it is.”
Government Pledges Action
Policing Minister Diana Johnson described the statistics as “deeply troubling” and reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling hate crime.
“We are determined to stamp out the toxic vitriol spread by a minority and ensure perpetrators face the full force of the law,” she said.
This alarming trend underscores the need for urgent and comprehensive action to address the root causes of religious hate and promote harmony in increasingly diverse communities.
