In the year ending March 2022, 42% of religious hate crimes were targeted towards Muslims – this accounts for 3,459 individual cases of religiously motivated hatred [1].
The London Assembly recognises the severity of islamophobia in the UK and its impact on the lives of London’s 1.3 million Muslims.
Because of this, the London Assembly is today urging the Mayor to make a statement in recognition of International Day to Combat Islamophobia, due to take place on 15 March 2023
Krupesh Hirani AM, who proposed the motion said:
“Islamophobia is a stain on our society and has no place in London.
“London’s 1.3 million Muslims are an integral part of what makes our open and diverse city thrive.
“We must do all we can to tackle hate crime and call out discrimination wherever we see it.
“I’m proud to support the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and Muslims in London, and around the world, who face prejudice.
“It's only by standing together on days like this, that we can end the epidemic of hatred.”
The full text of the motion is:
The Assembly notes that 15 March 2023 is the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Described by the United Nations as “an epidemic of hatred” islamophobia is a problem the world over, including in the UK. In the year ending March 2022, 42% of religious hate crimes were targeted towards Muslims – this accounts for 3,459 individual cases of religiously motivated hatred.
The Assembly recognises the severity of islamophobia in the UK and its impact on the lives of London’s 1.3 million Muslims.
This Assembly is united in its commitment to fighting prejudice and hatred that is targeted towards London’s Muslims and welcomes creation of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
This Assembly calls on the Mayor to make a statement in recognition of International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Notes to editors
- https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2021-to-2022/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2021-to-2022
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Krupesh Hirani AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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