Move follows years of political deadlock over how to define anti-Muslim hatred in a way that helps consistent application of law
Britain has issued a new advisory definition of “anti-Muslim hostility”, marking a long-awaited step in clarifying how authorities should identify and address abuse targeting Muslims, which has reached record levels.
The move comes after years of political deadlock over defining anti-Muslim hatred in a way that allows for consistent enforcement of the law while ensuring that open debate about religious extremism is not criminalized.
Nearly 4,500 hate crimes targeting Muslims were recorded in the year ending March 2025, accounting for almost half of all religiously motivated offences in England and Wales. The figures also include individuals who were wrongly assumed to be Muslim.
The new advisory definition, which is not legally binding, covers criminal acts such as violence, vandalism, harassment, intimidation, and prejudicial stereotyping directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim.
The government said the definition was introduced to protect people from “unacceptable hostile behaviour that seeks to intimidate and divide”, emphasizing that rights to free expression remain unchanged. Lawful criticism of religious beliefs, including Islam, remains protected, it added.
Opposition lawmakers expressed concerns that the definition could blur the line between legitimate criticism of religion and unlawful hate speech, warning it risked creating a “blasphemy law.”
Meanwhile, Muslim, Jewish, and humanist groups welcomed the move as a constructive step, noting it could help institutions respond more consistently to abuse provided it is applied carefully and does not curtail free expression.
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