New report reveals British Muslims’ growing influence and challenges

Report highlights their increasing integration, youthful demographic, and need for policy changes

LONDON (MNTV) – A new report from the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) highlights the growing influence of British Muslims, offering a snapshot of their demographic, socio-economic, and cultural contributions while also addressing ongoing challenges.

The Muslim population in the U.K. now stands at 4 million, making up 6% of the total population. 

This figure is part of a broader trend of growth, with Muslims being the fastest-growing faith group in the country. 

Between 2011 and 2021, the Muslim population increased by 1.2 million, accounting for 32% of the overall population growth in that decade. 

The rising numbers are due to various factors, including a younger demographic, immigration, and the arrival of displaced persons due to conflict and climate change.

For the first time in census history, more than half of Muslims in the U.K. are born locally, with 50% of the Muslim population in the U.K. being British-born. 

This trend is even higher in cities such as Bradford (65%), Walsall (61%), and Oldham (59%). 

The report also reveals that Muslims are a diverse group, with 66% identifying as Asian/Asian British, and they are spread across all ethnic categories.

One of the key findings of the report is the age profile of the Muslim population. 

The median age of Muslims is 29, which is 15 years younger than the national average. 

Additionally, 46% of the Muslim population is under the age of 24, compared to just 29% of the overall population. 

This youthful demographic is seen as a ‘demographic dividend,’ poised to contribute significantly to the U.K.’s labor market and welfare system.

The report also emphasizes the integration of British Muslims into society. 

A remarkable 94% of British-born Muslims identify strongly as British, and 99% of them speak English well. 

However, there are still language barriers among older Muslim women, with 2% of the Muslim population struggling with English, particularly in the over-65 age group. 

The report calls for targeted interventions to ensure that these individuals have access to public services, which are increasingly digital.

Housing and family life are also key focus areas. 

Around 40% of Muslims live in the most deprived areas of the U.K., and one in four Muslim households experience overcrowding—four times higher than the national average. 

Despite these challenges, Muslims maintain strong family structures, with marriage remaining central to social stability.

Looking ahead, the MCB estimates that by 2031, there will be 552,000 Muslim teenagers. 

This shift to a younger, British-born population highlights the importance of creating inclusive services and opportunities for Muslim youth to thrive. 

As Muslims increasingly engage in the political process, with 32 constituencies having significant Muslim populations, their influence in shaping the future of the U.K. is set to grow.