Most British Muslims feel Islamophobia and hate against them has increased since the summer riots sparked by the Southport attack, with one in three saying they had considered leaving the UK as a result.
A survey by the charity Tell Mama gathered the opinions of 750 Muslims across Britain eight weeks after disorder broke out in parts of England and Northern Ireland after the fatal stabbings of three girls in Southport.
Tell Mama said just under three quarters (71 per cent) felt anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia had become more widespread since the unrest.
The organisation found that one in three Muslims surveyed said they had considered leaving the UK as a result of the violence, in which mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers were attacked. Fifty-five per cent said they felt safe or very safe in the UK.
Half of those asked said they had become more open, mainly through conversations with friends and colleagues, about their Muslim identity after the violent disorder.
About two-thirds (62 per cent) said the potential risk of harm to Muslim communities had since increased significantly or somewhat.
Police tackle violent clashes outside Southport mosque – in pictures
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Riot police hold back protesters in Southport. The demonstrations broke out after the killing of three children in a knife attack at a dance school. Getty Images -
An excavator is used to remove debris from outside the Southport Islamic Society Mosque after a night of disorder. EPA -
Damage to the Southport Islamic Society Mosque. EPA -
A damaged car inside the car park of the Southport Islamic Society Mosque. PA -
Volunteers sweep Sussex Road in Southport. PA -
The Windsor Mini Mart on Windsor Road in Southport, which was looted. PA -
Response workers clear Sussex road. Reuters -
Rioters throw objects at a police van. Getty Images -
A police van burns after crowds clashed with police near where the three girls, aged six, seven and nine, were stabbed to death at a dance class on July 29. AP -
An injured police officer is helped. Getty Images -
Riot police hold back protesters near a burning police vehicle. Getty Images -
A counter-protester holds a placard. Getty Images -
Riot police clash with protesters. Getty Images -
Merseyside Police said an officer suffered a suspected broken nose in chaotic scenes outside the mosque. Getty Images -
Rioters climb on top of a police van. Getty Images -
A burning police vehicle. Getty Images
“Many British Muslims are very scared at the moment. They need our government to show it hears their fears, and is working to keep them safe,” said Iman Atta, director of Tell Mama. "This poll is proof of the terrifying impact anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia is having.
“More work must be done to reassure these people. We need a greater focus on supporting social cohesion in the worst affected areas. These findings should be a wake-up call for the government.”
A government representative said: “These results are extremely concerning. Attacks and hatred against Muslim communities are unacceptable and we have been clear that we will seek to stamp out Islamophobia and racism wherever it occurs.
“All communities must feel safe, especially in places of worship, which is why we introduced the Protective Security for Mosques scheme and will continue to work with communities and across government to deliver a new approach to tackling racial and religious hatred.”
