Racial and religious hate crimes at record high in England and Wales, data shows

AI Summary

Police-recorded racial and religious hate crimes in England and Wales reached 146,825 in the year ending March 2026, a 7% annual increase. Offences targeting Muslims rose 15% to 5,132, while antisemitic offences increased 10% to 3,162.

Offences targeting Muslims increased most in 12 months to March – up 15% – while antisemitic hate crimes rose by 10% UK politics live – latest updates Racially and religiously motivated offences have reached record highs in the UK, as the government’s main Islamophobia partner says attacks on mosques are increasing in severity. New Home Office figures show police recorded 146,825 hate crimes in the year ending March 2026 – a rise of 7% in the past year. Offences targeting Muslims increased the most – up 15%, from 4,479 to 5,132 – while antisemitic hate crimes rose by 10%, from 2,874 to 3,162. Continue reading...