Displaying items by tag: social cohesion

The Government has announced a new working definition of anti-Muslim hostility as part of a broader strategy to address rising hate crimes and strengthen social cohesion. The definition includes acts such as violence, harassment, intimidation, vandalism, and prejudicial stereotyping directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim. The definition is non-statutory, meaning it carries no legal force and will serve primarily as guidance for government departments and public institutions. Communities secretary Steve Reed told Parliament that it is intended to help authorities better understand, measure, and respond to anti-Muslim hostility; he said that hate crimes against Muslims had risen by nearly 20% in the year to March 2025. The Government also confirmed that a special representative will be appointed to support the implementation and understanding of the definition. Some critics expressed concern that the policy could limit legitimate criticism of religion, though ministers insisted that freedom of speech, including the right to criticise religious beliefs, remains fully protected under existing law.

Faith and non-religious belief groups’ positive contribution to social cohesion deserves greater recognition and should have more influence on cohesion policy in the United Kingdom, according to a report commissioned by the British Academy and the Faith and Belief Forum. The report draws on practical case studies from across the UK, including an interfaith programme by the West London Synagogue to promote positive Jewish-Muslim relations locally, a mosque that teaches English to speakers of other languages, a Catholic homelessness charity, and a Christian initiative to tackle knife crime. Faith is too often thought of as concerning ‘others’ and subtly racialised as the preserve of ethnic minorities in a secular society. Although faith and belief can be a source of division, many faith groups play a key role in uniting groups, and their contributions need to be valued and recognised.