As Muslims across the UK celebrate Eid Al-Adha and Eid Al-Ghadeer, the think tank Equi has released a new report warning of the growing threat of systematic anti-Muslim hatred. The report describes this trend not only as a symbolic concern, but as a serious threat to social cohesion and a source of significant economic loss.

According to the findings, anti-Muslim hatred cost the UK over £243 million in a single year, primarily due to increased spending on security services, the prison system, and insurance payouts.

Equi argues that this high cost underscores the urgent need for a national response—one that addresses the root causes of anti-Muslim sentiment, rather than treating it as a marginal or isolated issue.

The report calls on the British government to adopt a comprehensive national strategy to combat anti-Muslim hatred. It stresses that silence and inaction in the face of discrimination not only undermine Britain's commitment to justice and equality, but also betray the democratic values on which the nation prides itself.

Despite the troubling statistics, the report highlights a survey indicating that most Britons do not harbor hostility toward Muslims. This finding raises critical questions about the sources of hate speech and the actors responsible for fostering division within society.

To tackle the issue, Equi offers a series of practical recommendations, including launching public awareness campaigns to counter misinformation, supporting youth-led initiatives, involving religious institutions, and investing in programs that build trust and solidarity among communities.

In a pointed message to policymakers, Equi affirms that Muslims in Britain are not a burden, but an integral part of the national fabric. The report concludes that the UK's future must be built not through exclusion, but through the active promotion of diversity and inclusion.