The number of hate crimes in England and Wales has increased for the first time in three years, with a sharp rise in offences targeting race and religion, according to new figures from the Home Office.
The report shows 115,990 hate crime offences were recorded in the year ending March 2025 — a 2% increase compared to 113,166 the previous year. However, this year’s figures exclude data from the Metropolitan Police, which has changed its crime recording methods.
Surge in Anti-Muslim Attacks and Post-Southport Unrest
Religiously motivated hate crimes against Muslims surged by 19%, with a notable rise following the Southport murders and subsequent riots last summer. Meanwhile, hate crimes directed at Jewish people dropped by 18% — though the Home Office cautioned that London’s exclusion skews these figures, as the Met previously accounted for 40% of such incidents nationwide.
Government Pledges Tougher Response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the rise in hate crimes, stating that Muslim and Jewish communities continue to face “unacceptable levels of often violent hate.” She vowed to ensure offenders face “the full force of the law” and confirmed that police patrols around synagogues and mosques have been increased following a recent attack on a Manchester synagogue.
Hate Crime Linked to Global and Local Events
Officials noted that spikes in offences often correlate with international conflicts and domestic unrest, including the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and anti-immigration protests. Race-related hate crimes rose by 6%, while incidents linked to sexual orientation, disability, and transgender identity declined by 2%, 8%, and 11% respectively.
Communities Call for Stronger Protection
The Community Security Trust (CST) warned that antisemitic incidents remain “far too high” and that the lack of Metropolitan Police data gives only a “partial picture.” Similarly, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners described the rise as “deeply concerning,” urging coordinated efforts to prevent hate-fueled violence.
Charities Warn of Hidden Victims
Activists, including Suresh Grover of The Monitoring Group, said the figures understate the true scale of hate crime because many victims remain silent or lose faith in the justice system. Imam Qari Asim of the British Muslim Network urged unity, saying: “Whether it is Islamophobia, antisemitism, or any form of bigotry, we must confront it together — with courage, not silence.”
Data Snapshot
Of all religious hate crime offences recorded this year, 45% targeted Muslims and 29% targeted Jewish people. Per capita, there were 106 offences per 10,000 Jewish people and 12 per 10,000 Muslims.
Despite the incomplete data, the figures highlight the continuing challenge of hate crime in the UK, with communities calling for stronger protection and faster justice.
