MEND Highlights the Urgent Need to Counter Islamophobia at Community Event in Huddersfield

On October 12th, 2024, at an event highlighting the issues around Islamophobia. A MEND representative delivered a compelling address, emphasising the growing need to tackle religious hate in the UK. The organisation, known for advocating on behalf of British Muslims, shared alarming statistics on the recent rise in hate crimes, particularly against the Muslim community.

MEND outlined the troubling increase in Islamophobic incidents, with a sharp rise in religious hate crimes over the summer period. A notable example was the attempted arson of a mosque in Southport, this disturbing event underscores the real and present danger Muslim communities face across the country.

During the event, MEND stressed the importance of addressing this rise in hate and called for greater awareness and action to combat Islamophobia. The organisation highlighted the need for the UK government to urgently adopt the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) definition of Islamophobia. MEND explained that this definition would provide a vital framework for recognising and addressing Islamophobia at all levels of society, helping to prevent further attacks and foster greater understanding.

The event underscored the need for collective action from both local communities and national authorities to create a safer, more inclusive society. MEND’s message was clear: addressing the rise in Islamophobia is an urgent priority that cannot wait.

We thank all involved in the planning for this event.