Local city council in UK adopts statement to combat Islamophobia

Move aims to combat prejudice and foster inclusivity amid a growing Muslim population

PETERBOROUGH, UK (MNTV) – Peterborough City Council has adopted an Islamophobia statement to address discrimination against Muslim communities and promote inclusion. 

The decision follows a motion passed in June 2022, prompting council officers to draft the statement, which includes a definition of Islamophobia and highlights its impact.

As reported by the BBC, Councillor Samantha Hemraj, who introduced the proposal, said the council collaborated with the joint mosque committee, local schools, police, and health providers to shape the initiative. 

She emphasized the significance of the statement in addressing serious issues faced by Muslims.

“The Islamophobia statement demonstrates the council’s commitment to supporting Muslim communities and complements its broader anti-racism policies,” Hemraj said.

The council also pledged to encourage businesses and organizations it partners with to adopt the statement and commit to tackling prejudice and disadvantages faced by Muslims.

Peterborough, which has a growing Muslim population, reported that 12.2% of its residents identified as Muslim in the 2021 census, nearly double the national average of 6.7% in England.

Abdul Choudhuri, chair of the Joint Mosques Council Peterborough, welcomed the council’s decision. 

“It is now very clear what Islamophobia is, and we must work together to eradicate this hate,” he said, describing the move as a significant “stepping stone in the right direction.”