The UK government has appointed a new trust to monitor anti-Muslim hatred following the end of its funding for Tell Mama, a long-standing Islamophobia reporting service. The British Muslim Trust (BMT) will now take over monitoring and support efforts starting this autumn.
For over a decade, Tell Mama received government funding to track anti-Muslim hate crimes. However, its £6 million support ended earlier this year. Officials then launched a search for a new partner.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed the BMT as the new recipient. The organization will manage the “combatting hate against Muslims fund” to address rising religious intolerance.
Earlier this year, Tell Mama’s director accused the government of strained relations. The group rejected a six-month funding extension, citing disagreements with faith minister Wajid Khan.
Additionally, a Muslim peer, Shaista Gohir, raised concerns about transparency. She suggested an inquiry into Tell Mama’s spending, though none materialized. The group denied any wrongdoing.
The change comes amid record-high anti-Muslim hate incidents. The government acknowledged the urgent need for better reporting and victim support.
The BMT will now develop a system to track both online and offline hate crimes. It will also assist victims and encourage more people to report incidents.
The BMT was founded by the Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust. Activist Akeela Ahmed, co-founder of the British Muslim Network (BMN), will lead as CEO.
Ahmed emphasized the trust’s mission: “For too long, anti-Muslim hate has been under-recognized. We will stand with victims and build a more inclusive Britain.”
Faith minister Wajid Khan welcomed the move, calling the rise in anti-Muslim hatred “alarming.” He pledged to work with the BMT to promote tolerance. Meanwhile, Tell Mama continues operating independently, despite losing government backing.
The new trust to monitor anti-Muslim hatred marks a fresh chapter in tackling Islamophobia. Yet, questions remain about whether it can effectively fill Tell Mama’s role.
As hate crimes persist, the BMT faces high expectations. Victims and advocates will watch closely to see if this new trust to monitor anti-Muslim hatred delivers real change.
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