MEDIA STATEMENT

21 June 2026

Muslims targeted in terror attack amid normalisation of anti-Muslim hatred

Muslim Women's Network UK (MWNUK) is saddened but not surprised by the terror attack that took place against Muslims in Edinburgh on Friday evening, in which several individuals were injured. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the wider Muslim community who will understandably be feeling fear, anxiety, and distress following these events. We welcome the swift response from Police Scotland.

No one should be targeted because of their faith, ethnicity or appearance. These attacks come against a backdrop of rising anti-Muslim hostility across the UK, fuelled by rhetoric that is increasingly normalised and amplified by some politicians, public figures, sections of the media, and social media platforms through their algorithms. Such narratives have created an environment in which hatred is flourishing unchecked.

MWNUK CEO, Baroness Shaista Gohir said: “The Government has failed to take robust and meaningful action to challenge anti-Muslim narratives, prevent the normalisation of anti-Muslim hatred, strengthen legal protections, and ensure greater accountability for those who fuel prejudice and division.”

We are concerned that:

• Since the publication of the of non-statutory anti-Muslim hostility definition, no further strategy, action plan or dedicated funding has been announced;
• Hate crime legislation has not been strengthened, despite longstanding concerns and loopholes that continue to be exploited;
• There is currently no national hate crime strategy in place (it expired in 2020)
• Ofcom is not being sufficiently held to account for ensuring that social media platforms tackle anti-Muslim hate, abuse and disinformation effectively.
• IPSO has repeatedly failed to provide effective accountability for harmful reporting about Muslims, highlighting the need for a truly independent press regulator that can protect all communities targeted by inaccurate, discriminatory and inflammatory media coverage.

The Government cannot continue to treat anti-Muslim hatred as a secondary concern.

Incidents can be reported to the Muslim Safety Net Helpline (by the Muslim Women’s Network UK – independent from government) on 0303 330 0288 and WhatsApp / Text 07311 876 378 and online https://www.muslimsafetynet.org.uk/report

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Media enquiries: Baroness Gohir contact@mwnuk.co.uk / 0121 236 9000