Muslims are viewed more negatively than any other religious group of immigrants in Britain, according to a new survey commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, as anti-Muslim rhetoric and far-right politics gain ground.
The poll found 41% of respondents said Muslim immigrants have a negative impact on the UK, compared with 7–15% for followers of other faiths, including Christians and Jews. More than half said Islam is incompatible with British values, and just over a third believed the religion promotes violence against non‑Muslims. Nearly half thought Muslim women are pressured into wearing the hijab.
“Whilst the term ‘immigrant’ is used, the real issue for most people is ‘Islam’,” Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Ahmadiyya spiritual leader, said, arguing many Britons fear rapid social change and believe resources are skewed toward newcomers.
The data also point to a stark generational divide. Almost half of 18–24‑year‑olds view Islam as compatible with British values, versus 14% of over‑65s; only 14% of younger respondents said Islam encourages violence, compared with 40% of older Britons.
The findings come nearly a year after far-right riots swept parts of England in July–August 2024, stoking fear among Muslim communities. Tell MAMA, a UK monitoring group, says anti‑Muslim incidents jumped almost 50% year on year. Meanwhile, Reform UK — accused by critics of harboring Islamophobic and far-right views — made notable gains in local elections, capturing mayoral and parliamentary seats.
Advocates say the numbers underscore the need for clearer definitions of Islamophobia and stronger protections, while others warn that framing the issue purely through legislation risks further polarisation.