LONDON, March 5 (Alliance News): UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged the “difficult time for Muslims in the UK” while attending a Ramadan iftar event in Parliament.
Speaking at “The Big Iftar,” hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, Starmer praised the contributions of British Muslims and reflected on the impact of global conflicts, particularly in Gaza, on communities at home.
“I know this has been a very difficult time for Muslims here in the UK with the pain of the conflict,” he said, adding that he was “horrified” by the rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes, which reached a record high in 2024. He blamed the increase on far-right rhetoric and disinformation, particularly after last summer’s Southport riots.
“It is shocking—absolutely shocking—that 2024 was the worst year for anti-Muslim hate crime since the Home Office began collecting data,” Starmer stated. He emphasized that behind the statistics are “real people impacted every day by this hatred, fearful for their families and children.”
He also highlighted the rebuilding efforts at a Southport mosque following the riots as an example of Britain’s true spirit and wished attendees a “peaceful, blessed, and fruitful holy month.”
