Amid an alarming increase in harassment in UK public spaces, such as beaches and parks, Dilly Hussain calls on Muslims to protect their families and remain vigilant about the far-right threat.
In the summer of 2025, a disturbing trend has emerged across England – Muslims, migrants, and people of coloUr are facing an alarming surge in harassment, assaults, and invasive filming, often in public spaces meant for relaxation and community.
From beaches to parks, the stories are as varied as they are unsettling: a Muslim father strangled in front of his sleeping toddler in Prestwich for refusing to shake a drunk woman’s hand; underage schoolgirls filmed and lectured about their niqabs in a park; a Sudanese man repeatedly assaulted for withholding his address; Eritrean Christians interrogated about their faith and immigration status; and a man in Brighton boasting of smashing an Afghan restaurant’s windows while threatening to “kill all Muslims.”
These are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, troubling pattern that demands reflection and action.
Climate of hate
How did we arrive at this point? The answer lies in a toxic brew of political rhetoric and media amplification.
For 15 years, successive Tory governments have demonised Muslims, migrants and people of colour through xenophobic policies and dog-whistle politics, laying the groundwork for division.
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The current Labour government, led by Keir Starmer, appears to be pandering to the hard-right, chasing votes at the expense of marginalised communities.
Meanwhile, outlets like GB News and Talk TV, alongside figures such as Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson, have relentlessly stirred the pot, framing these groups as threats to British identity.
Their rhetoric has not just normalised prejudice — it has emboldened it, giving license to those who harass and assault under the guise of “protecting” their country.
Perilous environment
This environment is particularly perilous for practicing Muslims, who should be advised to reconsider visits to public spaces like beaches during the summer holidays.
These are places where families should feel safe to create memories, yet for many, they have become battlegrounds of suspicion and hostility.
If such outings are unavoidable, strength in numbers — particularly with male relatives present — can serve as a deterrent and a means of de-escalation.
Simple acts, like tidying up after a picnic, become critical to avoid giving bigots an excuse to “kick off.”
If confronted with filming, a calm but assertive request to stop is warranted. UK law does permit filming in public spaces but this can feel like a violation when wielded as a tool of intimidation.
In moments of genuine threat, the law allows reasonable force for self-defence, but the need to even consider such measures underscores the gravity of the situation.
Free speech hypocrites
The irony is stark: those who claim to champion “free speech” and “individual liberty” often fuel this climate of fear, their hypocrisy laid bare as they vilify entire communities.
The political establishment and right-wing media bear significant responsibility for whipping up this storm, yet it is ordinary people — Muslims, migrants, and people of colour — who bear the brunt.
In 2025, it is disheartening that communities must be warned to stay vigilant, to document every incident, and to report harassment to authorities who may not always act swiftly or decisively.
This is not a call to retreat but a plea for resilience. Communities under siege must stand firm, refusing to accept harassment or humiliation as the cost of existing in public spaces.
Documenting incidents and reporting them to the police is not just a practical step but a reclaiming of agency. It is a reminder that these acts of hate, however frequent, do not define the UK’s diverse communities or their right to belong and exist.
As we navigate this challenging moment, let us hold fast to unity and vigilance. The summer holidays should be a time of joy, not fear. By staying alert, supporting one another, and refusing to be cowed, we can push back against the tide of hate — and demand a future where no one needs to make such warnings.
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