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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday condemned rising anti-Muslim hatred across the country, calling it “abhorrent” and insisting it has “no place in our society.”
Starmer made the remarks during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons after Labour lawmaker Afzal Khan asked him to outline what measures the government will take to address increasing racism and Islamophobia directed at Muslims in the U.K.
Starmer said the growing number of incidents “must be addressed,” adding that the government is increasing funding to protect mosques and Muslim faith schools across the country.
He emphasized that safeguarding religious sites and community institutions is a priority as reported hate crimes continue to rise.
The prime minister noted that a new monitoring fund has been introduced to track anti-Muslim hatred more effectively and support targeted communities.
He said the initiative will help authorities respond to cases with “greater accuracy and urgency.”
Starmer also said the government is continuing efforts to establish a working definition of anti-Muslim hatred.
His comments come as the U.K. marks Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) in November, an annual campaign highlighting discrimination faced by Muslims nationwide.
Khan’s question underscored growing concern within Parliament over the rise in Islamophobia, with lawmakers urging stronger policies and clearer frameworks to confront the trend.
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