Labour UK faces steep decline in Muslim support as historic ties falter
Recent research reveals a sharp decline in Muslim support for the Labour Party
LONDON (MNTV) – Recent research by the Labour Muslim Network (LMN) reveals a sharp decline in Muslim support for the Labour Party, with backing plummeting from over 80% in 2019 to just half that figure ahead of the 2024 general election.
In constituencies where Muslims comprise more than 10% of the population, Labour’s vote count dropped by 821,466—a 34% decrease.
The party lost five previously safe seats, including Leicester South, Dewsbury and Batley, Blackburn, Islington North, and Birmingham Perry Barr, to independent candidates focused on pro-Palestinian and anti-Islamophobia platforms.
A majority of Muslim Labour representatives, surveyed in the report, expressed serious concerns about the party’s handling of key issues.
Two-thirds (66%) reported unequal treatment compared to non-Muslim representatives, 53% believe the party does not take Islamophobia seriously, and 38% directly described Labour as institutionally Islamophobic.
One Labour Muslim councillor remarked, “There is systematic Islamophobia within the Labour Party. We are treated as second-class members.”
“Generally, Islamophobia exists widely in the Labour Party at every level,” said another Labour Muslim councillor.
“These incidents on a daily basis are driving Muslims away.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s response to the Gaza genocide in late 2023 drew heavy criticism, with 82% of respondents rating it as “fairly bad” or “very bad.”
More than one in three (38%) have directly experienced Islamophobia in their time as representatives.
Nearly all (97%) called for immediate recognition of the State of Palestine, and three-quarters supported suspending U.K. arms exports to Israel.
84% favor implementing sanctions against the State of Israel.
A Labour Muslim Member of Parliament noted, “I’ve been told by two members to stop over-focusing on Gaza. I’ve been told to delete social media posts, adapt statements, and accept statements that I had not agreed to.”
This decline in support marks a dramatic shift in one of the strongest electoral alliances in British political history.
For decades, Muslim voters have formed a reliable base for Labour, driven by shared commitments to social justice and civil rights.
Muslims have also been highly active within the party, serving as councillors, mayors, and members of Parliament.
However, rising Islamophobia, dissatisfaction with Labour’s foreign policy, and scrutiny of Muslim political expression have strained these historic ties.
The LMN report emphasized the urgent need for Labour to rebuild trust with Muslim communities.
One councillor summed up the urgency: “The Labour Party must take these issues seriously, or risk losing a vital and historically loyal part of its base.”
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