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Government Cuts Funding for Tell Mama Amid Rising Anti-Muslim Sentiment
The British government has decided to end all funding for Tell Mama, an organization that offers a reporting service for incidents of Islamophobia, just weeks after the service reported a record number of anti-Muslim hate crimes in the UK.
Since its inception in 2012, Tell Mama has been financed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the service received nearly 11,000 reports, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by victims of Islamophobia.
However, Tell Mama has now been informed that funding will cease by the end of this month, with no mention of an alternative arrangement. This decision has raised concerns among law enforcement officials, as information received from Tell Mama under a data-sharing agreement established in 2015 has proven essential for monitoring and addressing rising tensions and potential threats.
According to Tell Mama, in the past year, it documented 10,700 reports, with 9,600 being verified, indicating a worrying trend of increased street attacks and heightened online abuse, especially following events like the attack in Southport and subsequent riots.
Recent police statistics reveal a record high of religious hate crimes in England and Wales for the year ending March 2024, which are believed to be exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Muslims accounted for 38% of recorded religious hate crimes, followed closely by Jews at 33%.
Moreover, there has been a surge in far-right plots targeting Muslims; a recent court hearing discussed the activities of a suspected neo-Nazi cell plotting attacks on mosques and synagogues in north-west England.
Fiyaz Mughal, the founder of Tell Mama, expressed deep concern about the implications of these funding cuts. He noted that as far-right ideologies and populism gain traction across Europe, the reduction in resources for organizations like Tell Mama is particularly troubling.
Mughal argued that the current climate will likely lead to increased targeting of vulnerable individuals; he emphasized that Tell Mama has been a crucial support system for victims who may not be comfortable approaching the police. Furthermore, he criticized the government for its contradictory actions, pointing to discussions regarding a new working group dedicated to addressing anti-Muslim hatred, led by former Conservative attorney general Dominic Grieve.
Last month, the ministry outlined plans for the working group’s objectives, including developing a new definition of Islamophobia and promoting initiatives to combat anti-Muslim hate incidents. Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing this issue, calling rising anti-Muslim hate crime “unacceptable.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has highlighted the need for effective reporting mechanisms, noting that many victims of hate crimes remain silent. A spokesperson revealed that partnerships with trusted charities are being established to enhance third-party reporting options, thereby ensuring victims receive the necessary support.
In response to inquiries about the discontinuation of Tell Mama’s funding, the ministry did not provide details on the reasoning or any plans for alternative services. Instead, a spokesperson confirmed that the government is committed to combating all forms of religious and racial hatred, announcing that they have allocated up to £1 million to Tell Mama this year to assist victims of Islamophobia, with future funding strategies to be articulated soon.
Source
www.theguardian.com