MEDIA STATEMEMT

23^rd October 2026

We condemn the anti-Muslim hostile targeting of PC Fiona Shaik Umar

Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) strongly condemns the anti-Muslim hostility directed at Metropolitan Police Officer PC Fiona Shaik Umar following her recognition for an Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award. Comments associated her with ISIS, portrayed her as a threat and questioned why she was allowed to serve in the police.

Claims that she received the award only because she wears a hijab or to fulfil a diversity agenda are deeply offensive. We congratulate PC Umar on the award in recognition of her work in supporting women in policing, improving representation and strengthening community relationships. We stand in solidarity with her and all Muslim women facing hostility because of their faith or appearance.

MWNUK CEO Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE said: “The abuse exposes the “damned if we do, damned if we don’t position imposed on Muslim women. They are accused of failing to integrate, yet when Muslim women risk their lives to protect the public, like PC Umar has, they are told they do not belong. No contribution seems enough when the underlying objection is to a woman being visibly Muslim.”

She added: “PC Umar’s experiences reflect a wider pattern of verbal abuse, physical attacks and online harassment affecting Muslim women’s everyday lives. Persistent narratives portraying Muslims as dangerous, disloyal or incompatible with British society are fuelling suspicion and normalising hostility. It can particularly leave Muslim women frightened and discourage them from pursuing careers or participating in public life.”

However, MWNUK is heartened by the many supportive comments, particularly from non-Muslim men and women, celebrating PC Umar’s achievements and challenging the hostility. This solidarity matters and shows that those spreading hate do not speak for everyone.

We urge politicians to also challenge anti-Muslim narratives, for platforms to tackle targeted abuse and employers to support Muslim women facing hostility. Government must also invest in practical measures to improve Muslim women’s safety, working with specialist organisations and women themselves.

Anyone experiencing any form of anti-Muslim hostility whether in public spaces, online, in the workplace or when accessing services, can contact the Muslim Safety Helpline on 0303 330 0288 or via contact@muslimsafetynet.org.uk or WhatsApp/Text on 07311 876 378.

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Media enquiries: Baroness Gohir contact@mwnuk.co.uk / 0121 236 9000
Muslim Women’s Network UK is a national charity (www.mwnuk.co.uk)