Black Country Innovate

We are disappointed with Mr Gilligan’s piece in The Spectator.  Over three days (from Wednesday 30 September to Friday 2 October) Mr Gilligan sent BMT a series of questions relating to our forthcoming report. We provided detailed responses and repeatedly explained that the report, including the underlying methodology and evidence, would be published within days. We asked him to consider that report before drawing conclusions about the data. The suggestion that BMT simply refused to provide supporting evidence is misleading. After a third set of  questions in three days – sent at 02:42 on Friday 2 October 2026 - we strongly suggested to Mr Gilligan that he wait to read the report before he published any piece. We reiterated that the report would be published in the coming days. Instead, Mr Gilligan and the Spectator have published a piece based on a forthcoming report they have not read. The article quotes part of BMT’s response concerning the time available to answer the third set of questions. The full response was as follows: “Thank you for your third set of questions.   We do not have time to answer these today. Our full report is published in the coming days and the issues you raise are addressed within.   There is no good reason for you to publish ahead of reading that report, and as we have already made clear we reserve the right to take action should you misrepresent our work or our position in relation to the suggestions you have made.”   The report provides important context concerning the scope, definitions and methodology that is absent from the article. 1.         A Mosque is attacked in this country on average once every five days. In the last year, attacks on Mosques are at an unprecedented level, which is the basis of our report and our commentary. As explained in the report, our recording includes Mosques, Community Centres and related buildings. We assess the annual figures in line with common practice. Fluctuations within the year do not invalidate the annual trend.  2.         The East London Central Synagogue on Nelson Street was attacked whilst in the process of being purchased by a Muslim group. This process was accompanied by significant online hate towards the local Muslim community as the process developed 3.         Mass-casualty plots are extremely serious, and we reject any suggestion that they should not be included in this analysis, or that the inclusion of two foiled plots undermines the data on anti-Muslim hatred and hostility targeted at Mosques. Including serious disrupted plots is consistent with established practice in terrorism and community-security reporting. 4.        Arson attacks cause harm that endangers life.  5.         Data collection on individual incidents and attacks against mosques was conducted by three methods: direct reporting to BMT's confidential helpline, third-party reports, and publicly available information. In-line with common practice, those reports are treated with pure confidentiality to protect victims.  BMT welcomes scrutiny of its work. However, that scrutiny should engage with the report’s actual definitions, methodology and evidence. We invite readers to consider the report in full and have asked The Spectator to correct any significant inaccuracies or misleading impressions in its article. Mr Gilligan accuses BMT of exaggerating the threat to the Muslim community. Recent polling reveals that more than half of Britain’s Muslims have experienced some form of religious prejudice or hatred within the last 12 months

While taking photographs of cherry blossoms for his A-level Art portfolio, 17-year-old Faisal* was pushed to the ground and falsely accused of photographing young girls.⁠ ⁠ Young Muslim men are increasingly facing false accusations linking them to grooming gangs simply because they are Muslim or Brown - a harmful narrative being spread by the far right.⁠ ⁠ The impact continued long after the incident. Faisal withdrew from those closest to him and stopped pursuing photography, the hobby he once loved. It took weeks before he felt able to tell his mother what had happened.⁠ ⁠ Anti-Muslim hostility can have a lasting impact on individuals and their families. No one should have to carry that experience alone.⁠ ⁠ If you have experienced or witnessed anti-Muslim hate, you do not have to face it alone. Report an incident:⁠ ⁠ ☎️ 0808 172 3524⁠ 📧 [email protected]⁠ 🔗 britishmuslimtrust.co.uk/rep…⁠ ⁠ Our helpline is free to use. You can call, text or send us a WhatsApp message.⁠ ⁠ *Name has been anonymised.⁠ ⁠ #BritishMuslimTrust #AntiMuslimHostility #ReportHate #CommunitySupport

Congratulations to all the students celebrating A-level #resultsday 🚨 We are calling all STUDENTS & ISLAMIC SOCIETIES! We are on the look out for Volunteer Student Ambassadors Islamic Societies can contact us for FREE resources in time for #freshersweek Worried about Anti-Muslim hate when returning to campus? We are here to support YOU! Get in touch now! [email protected] #freshers #muslim #isoc #islamicsociety #alevels #Alevelsresultsday

A year ago, we officially launched with a clear purpose: to stand with communities, support victims of anti-Muslim hostility and help create lasting change. Since then, we've launched our multi-channel helpline, published national research and worked with community organisations, faith leaders, local authorities and policymakers to better understand the challenges facing British Muslims and help drive meaningful conversations. Over the past year, we've been encouraged by the partnerships we've built, the conversations we've had and the people we've met along the way. Each has strengthened our resolve to continue tackling anti-Muslim hostility and advocating for a safer, fairer and more inclusive Britain. As we mark our first anniversary, we'd like to thank everyone who has supported the British Muslim Trust, and we look forward to continuing this work together in the years ahead. If you or someone you know has experienced anti-Muslim hostility, support is available: ☎️ 0808 172 3524 📧 [email protected] 🔗 britishmuslimtrust.co.uk/rep… Our helpline is free to call, and you can also contact us for free via WhatsApp or drop us a text. #BritishMuslimTrust #OneYearOfBMT #AntiMuslimHostility #Research #Community #Partnership

We are deeply saddened and devastated by the news of a shooting at a mosque in San Diego, which has left three people dead. This is an attack on a place of worship, on a community gathered to pray. Mosques should be places of safety and sanctuary. This attack is a stark reminder of the real and deadly threat of anti-Muslim hatred. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and Muslim communities in San Diego and across the US.

Influencer Valentina Gomez has rightly been denied entry into the UK following serious comments of hate towards Muslims. The British Muslim Trust worked with police & multiple government departments to ensure that appropriate action was taken against an individual whose aim in the UK is to spread hate. To those of you who contacted us about this either via social media or our helpline, thank you for raising the alarm bells - working with communities is how BMT can continue to ensure the UK an inclusive, safe place for diverse communities to live. #notohate

Many of you raised concerns to us via social media and email regarding the deeply alarming comments made about an Iftar event in Trafalgar Square during the month of Ramadan. Tagging/emailing/calling us etc. about anti-Muslim hate comments is what drives our research and showcases evidence to the relevant bodies that comments from politicians can affect communities who are simply practicing their faith. At BMT, we use this to call-out those who seek to divide. To everyone who reached out to us, thank you. #HateHasNoPlace To make a report to us: 📞 0808 172 3524 📧 [email protected] 👩🏾‍💻britishmuslimtrust.co.uk/rep…

Recently, our team were in the West Midlands for a constructive community roundtable focused on tackling anti-Muslim hatred. The day continued with important discussions with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and Deputy PCC Wasim Ali, followed by a meeting with Scott Green, Acting Chief Constable of West Midlands Police. These conversations are vital in ensuring a joined-up approach between communities, policing, and partners, working collectively to improve reporting, build trust, and make our communities safer for all. A strong step forward in strengthening collaboration across the West Midlands. #CommunityCohesion #TacklingHate #WestMidlands #BMT

As many mark and enjoy the #Easter break, the BMT team are on the ground in Greater Manchester, Wirral Dean, Birmingham and the West Midlands, supporting Mosques that have experienced targeted anti-Muslim hate crimes & incidents. We are reassured that in Liverpool, the incident was reported to the police- who responded quickly and apprehended perpetrators. REPORT: if you experience any form of anti-Muslim hate, please report to us. The dedicated helpline will be open on Easter Monday. 📞08081723524 Or via britishmuslimtrust.co.uk at all times. In an emergency contact 999