Islamophobic attacks on public transport rising across UK
Muslims report fear of abuse and restrict travel, community groups call for urgent action
LONDON (MNTV) — Islamophobic incidents on public transport in Britain are increasing, according to recent data published by The Guardian, prompting concerns that Muslim commuters are limiting their journeys due to fear of harassment and assault.
Freedom of information data from British Transport Police covering England, Wales, and Scotland showed that racially motivated hate crimes rose from 2,827 cases in 2019–20 to 3,258 in 2024–25. Religious hate crimes specifically increased from 343 cases in 2019–20 to 419 in 2023–24.
The Guardian highlighted that public transport can create conditions where perpetrators are emboldened by alcohol, can isolate their targets, and leave before being held accountable.
Akeela Ahmed, CEO of the British Muslim Trust, said the figures reflect real-life experiences reported by Muslims nationwide.
She urged local authorities, transport operators, and community safety organizations to “take urgent and meaningful action” to protect vulnerable commuters.
“For visible Muslims, the top deck of a bus or a sparsely populated train carriage can expose them to threatening behavior, verbal abuse, or even physical attacks because of their faith,” Ahmed said. She added that incidents involving children travelling to and from school are particularly alarming.
Ahmed further noted that limited CCTV coverage on buses and at many stops allows offenders to escape accountability, leaving victims feeling unsafe and constantly cautious.
“Many Muslims now feel compelled to micro-analyse every movement, expression, or gesture out of fear it could be misinterpreted or used against them,” she explained.
Carol Young, deputy director of the Coalition for Racial Equality, described the official figures as “probably the tip of the iceberg,” pointing out that anecdotal evidence suggests many people avoid public transport or restrict their travel to safer times of the day.
A British Transport Police spokesperson said the force “will never tolerate abuse, intimidation, or violence, particularly when motivated by hate,” emphasizing that reports of hate crimes on the rail network are handled swiftly and decisively.
The spokesperson encouraged victims or witnesses of hate incidents to come forward rather than remaining silent.
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