The rise in hate crime in UK has reached a point where faith groups must act now. Recent announcements of substantial funding to secure mosques and other places of worship reflect this urgent reality. The government’s move comes after weeks of mounting evidence that religious communities face elevated risk.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacts to a horrific attack that deeply impacted a local community. Speaking after meeting affected families, Starmer announced a £10 million fund to enhance security for mosques and other places of worship across the UK.
Rising Numbers: The Current Picture
According to the most recent official data:
- In the year ending March 2025, police forces in England and Wales (excluding the Metropolitan Police Service) recorded 115,990 hate crime offences, a 2% increase on the previous year.
- Within that, race-based hate crimes increased by 6%, to about 82,490 offences.
- Religious hate crimes rose by 3%, to 7,164 offences.
- Among religious hate crimes, those targeted at Muslims rose by 19% (from 2,690 to 3,199).
- By contrast, religious hate crimes targeted at Jewish people (excluding Met data) fell by 18%, from 2,093 to 1,715.
Trends Over Time
Looking back further:
- In the year ending March 2024, police-recorded religious hate crimes were 10,484, up 25% from 8,370 the year before.
- In the year ending March 2023, religious hate crimes were 8,241 (a small decline).
- In earlier years: for example in 2019-20, there were 6,203 religious hate crimes.
So over roughly five years the figure for religious hate crime has nearly doubled. The majority of hate crime in UK remains race-based (around 70% of total in recent years).
Breakdown by Religion
From the year ending March 2024:
- Of the 10,484 religious hate crimes, ~3,282 (33%) were targeted at Jewish people.
- About 3,866 (38%) were targeted at Muslims.
- Other religions (Hindu, Sikh, etc) made up smaller shares (e.g., 193 Hindu-targeted offences, 2%).
- Rate per 10,000 population: 121 for Jewish victims vs 10 for Muslim victims.
Types of Offences
Most hate crimes (racial or religious) involve public fear, alarm or distress offences, and violence against the person. For example, the 2023-24 religious hate crime report notes that the most common offences against Jews and Muslims were public order offences (fear/alarm/distress).
Criminal damage or arson forms a smaller share of hate-motivated offences.
Why Faith Groups Now Need Extra Protection
- The data show that faith groups are now more frequently targeted, especially during periods of heightened tensions (e.g., international conflicts, local flash-points).
- Many faith groups host large gatherings (worship, community events) and may have less robust security infrastructure compared to other institutions.
- Even when overall hate crime may fall or stagnate, religious-motivated crime has exhibited sharp spikes. For example the 25% jump in 2023-24.
- The announcement of a £10 million security boost (for mosques and places of worship) is timely; it acknowledges that faith spaces can no longer assume low-risk status.
- Faith groups contribute to social cohesion; attacks on them ripple outwards, increasing fear, reducing participation in public life, and hampering integration.
What the Funding Means in Practice
The funding is intended to upgrade security: physical measures (CCTV, access control), training staff/volunteers, liaison with local police. It also signals political backing for protecting faith communities. While no amount of security is a substitute for preventing hate itself, this measure buys time and protection while broader social measures catch up.
Preventing Hate Crime in UK: Beyond Security
- Improving education in schools about religious literacy and tolerance.
- Promoting inter-faith dialogue and community linking to reduce isolation and stereotyping.
- Enhancing reporting mechanisms so that victims feel confident to come forward (many do not).
- Ensuring law enforcement can respond quickly and sensitively to hate incidents.
- Addressing online radicalisation and misinformation, which often precede real-world hate crime.
Conclusion
Faith groups in the UK are facing a rising tide of hate crime. The data show clear increases for religiously-motivated offences, especially against Muslims and Jews. Protecting places of worship is not optional—it is now a necessity. This security boost comes at an opportune time. But it must be part of a comprehensive response to hate crime in UK: one that combines protection with prevention, ensures victims are heard, and strengthens community resilience.
Sources: UK Government, Religious Media Centre, UK Government, Ethnicity facts and figures, ITV News
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