British Muslim Trust appointed as new partner to monitor and tackle anti-Muslim hatred

• British Muslim Trust will receive funding as part of a new government drive against record levels of anti-Muslim hate.
• Funding will boost victim support and strengthen hate crime reporting nationwide.
• The Trust unites decades of expertise from Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust.

The British Muslim Trust (BMT) has been selected as the recipient of the government's new Combatting Hate Against Muslims Fund, a key initiative to address the rise in anti-Muslim hatred across England.

The fund was established this year to respond to the evolving nature of religious intolerance and targeted hate incidents faced by Muslim communities, which are at the highest level on record.

BMT will use the funding to develop a robust reporting system that captures both online and offline incidents of anti-Muslim hatred, including those that may go unreported to the police.

It will also enable the organisation to provide direct support to victims, raise awareness of what constitutes a hate crime, and encourage greater reporting from affected communities.

Lord Khan, Minister for Faith, said:

The rise of anti-Muslim hatred in this county is alarming and deeply concerning.

That's why we established this new fund: to ensure we're doing everything we can to deeply understand the situation our Muslim communities are facing, provide them with the support they need and give us the tools needed to tackle this unacceptable hatred.

I look forward to working with the British Muslim Trust on our shared ambition to create a safer, more tolerant society for everyone as part of our Plan for Change.

By analysing the data collected, the BMT will help identify the trends and drivers behind these incidents, providing the government with the evidence needed to shape effective policy and inform action to tackle anti-Muslim hate moving forward, helping to deliver on our Safer Streets mission as part of our Plan for Change.

The BMT brings together the Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust to form a comprehensive organisation, combining their expertise and strong community foundations, gained from over twenty-years of work, to meet the demands of today's landscape.

Shabir Randeree, CBE, will serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors, bringing with him a wealth of cross-sector experience, knowledge and a firm commitment to championing the welfare of ethnic minorities in Britain.

Shabir Randeree, Chair of the Board of Directors at the British Muslim Trust, said:

Tackling anti-Muslim hatred is essential to building safer, more inclusive communities - and we are proud to have been appointed to deliver this important work.

The British Muslim Trust will work closely with partners across the country to support victims, listen to communities, and help ensure that every person can live free from fear and hatred.

Notes to Editors:

• The British Muslim Trust will begin receiving reports and monitoring incidents from early autumn.
• In establishing the BMT, The Aziz Foundation and Randeree Charitable Trust have also worked closely with Akeela Ahmed MBE, who they intend to appoint as CEO, drawing on her decades of experience in working with grassroots organisations and policy-level anti-hate work.
• Incidents of hate crime directed towards Muslims is at a record high in England and Wales – as set out in recent government statistics: Hate crime, England and Wales, year ending March 2024 - GOV.UK
• The window to bid for this funding under the Combatting Hate Against Muslims Fund ran from 7 April for six weeks. More information about the assessment criteria used to select the grant partner can be found in the fund's prospectus, linked here: Combatting Hate Against Muslims fund: prospectus - GOV.UK
• The Randeree Charitable Trust has spent decades supporting and funding organisations which work to empower young people, support interfaith dialogue, religious understanding and community cohesion. Through this work, the Trust has built a deep and widespread network which will support in establishing the British Muslim Trust's within communities across the country.

• The Aziz Foundation supports individuals from British Muslim communities by empowering them to advance their careers and make valuable contributions to society through providing Master's scholarships and other resources. The foundation has spent a decade nurturing confident leaders of Muslim background to address social challenges and promote positive change within their communities and beyond.

• NPCC's National Police Advisor for Hate Crime Paul Giannasi said:

“The Crime Survey for England and Wales demonstrates that hate crime has a greater impact on victims when compared to non-targeted crime. It damages our society, creating fear and division in communities that are targeted. 

“We also know that hate crime has traditionally been underreported and have seen evidence that this is a particular challenge with those affected by anti-Muslim hatred.

“The police will not tolerate hate crime and would encourage all victims to report crimes, whether direct to the police or through third-party facilities provided by community groups. 

“We welcome the funding that government has committed to address this issue and any initiative that helps victims to seek and receive the services they deserve.”

• Imam Qasim, Exec. Chairman & Founder, Al-Khair Foundation, said:

“Al Khair Foundation welcomes the establishment of the British Muslim Trust as a dedicated platform through which members of the public may report hate crimes. 

“This timely and much-needed initiative constitutes a significant milestone in the advancement of community cohesion and the restoration of trust and confidence among affected communities.”