Councillors have agreed that Islamophobia has no place in Peterborough by adopting a special statement on the issue which is being promoted across the city.
At a meeting of the authority’s annual council on 19 May 2025, members unanimously agreed to support a statement which has been drawn up following work with partners.
The statement outlines that the council stands ‘firmly against Islamophobia in all its forms and manifestations’. It also states that Islamophobia has ‘no place in Peterborough and fundamentally erodes British values of respect, tolerance and liberty’.
Statement
We stand firmly against Islamophobia in all its forms and manifestations. Islamophobia not only perpetuates discrimination and marginalisation but also undermines the principles of equality, justice, and respect for diversity. Islamophobia has no place in Peterborough and fundamentally erodes British values of respect, tolerance and liberty.
Islamophobia is rooted in prejudice and racism devaluing not only Muslim communities, but wider society. Many Muslims face discrimination and disadvantage which can include, but not limited to:
- Hate Crimes/Non-crime Hate Incidents: The rise in hate crimes targeting Muslims, including physical assaults, vandalism of mosques, and verbal abuse, reflects the spread of Islamophobic sentiment.
A non-crime hate incident is defined by the Government as ‘an incident or alleged incident which involves or is alleged to involve an act by a person (‘the subject’) which is perceived by a person other than the subject to be motivated - wholly or partly - by hostility or prejudice towards persons.
It is believed that hate crimes and hate incidents reports to police are under- reported due to either lack of knowledge about the process and/ or lack of trust in the process. Hence there is an urgent need to publicise the information of the reporting process and gain community trust in efficacy of the system.
- Media Misrepresentation: Sensationalised media coverage and biased narratives contribute to the vilification of Islam and perpetuate harmful stereotypes, fostering an environment of fear and prejudice.
- Acts of aggression where people or property – such as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries – are selected because they are, or are perceived to be, Muslim(s) or linked to Muslims.
- Online Extremism: The proliferation of online extremism and hate speech targeting Muslims not only radicalises individuals but also normalises Islamophobic attitudes and behaviours.
- Microaggressions: Everyday microaggressions, such as stereotyping, racial profiling, and religious slurs, create hostile environments for Muslims and reinforce the insidious nature of Islamophobia in society.
We define Islamophobia as:
Fear of and/or prejudice against Muslims or perceived Muslimness whether be it due to expression or otherwise of their religion.
Direct or indirect act(s) of discrimination against Muslims either on individual basis or as a community due to their religion.
We must collectively challenge Islamophobia by promoting education, fostering interfaith dialogue, and advocating for inclusive policies that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs. Together, we must strive to build a world where Islamophobia has no place, and where diversity is celebrated and respected.