The UK’s growing Islamophobia problem has again come to the fore after the Green Party’s Muslim deputy leader Mothin Ali was subjected to yet another racist attack, this time outside Earl’s Court station in West London.
The Metropolitan Police are now investigating the incident, which Ali has described as an Islamophobic hate crime.
Ali, who represents Gipton and Harehills on Leeds City Council, shared details of the encounter on X (formerly Twitter) in a full public statement. Dressed in traditional ‘Muslim’ clothing (thobe and prayer cap) while on his way to speak at the EuroAsia Curry Awards, he was confronted by a man who hurled racist slurs at him and threatened him with violence.
In his full statement, Ali said:
“A memorable night ruined by a racist thug.
“I was invited to speak at the EuroAsia Curry Awards on Monday night, it should have been an exciting opportunity. But on my way there, outside Earl’s Court station, I was subjected to an Islamophobic hate crime. I have now reported it to the police.
“A man walked towards me shouting: “I know you. I’ve seen all about you online. You should be deported.” Then he called me a “f**king P*ki.”
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“Shouting that he’s ‘white’ and I should be deported
“He came right up in my face. I was shocked. When I pulled out my phone to record, he backed off — threatening to “smash my head in.” as he walked away
“Sadly this is too much of a regular experience for Muslims in Britain. As Deputy Leader of the Green Party, I know how dangerous this hate is and how it drives so many Muslims away from public life.
“This was not random. His words echoed the racist abuse I see online every day. British men are being radicalised by extremists, politicians, parts of the media and oligarchs.
“We have already seen a spike in Islamophobic hate crime, attacks on places of worship and a torrid of abuse so many face just trying to live their lives
“As someone in public office, I know our party will continue to do our part to challenge hate, this incident won’t stop me, I’m more determined than ever!”
Previous incidents of racist abuse
This incident is not the first time Ali has been targeted. In August 2025, he was harassed while at a beach with his family. British youths shouted “go back to your own country,” swore at him, and even exposed themselves in front of his children. The confrontation left Ali shaken and dismayed that such racism was happening in front of his young family.
He explained on social media that the abuse began even before he started recording. Ali linked the behavior to toxic political rhetoric, citing groups like Reform UK and figures like Nigel Farage, Rupert Lowe and Tommy Robinson. He expressed deep concern that his children were being exposed to the same racism he faced as a child in the 1980s.
Ali highlighted how incidents like these are becoming part of daily life for many Muslims in Britain. He stressed the need to work harder to create a society based on hope and inclusion rather than fear and hatred.
Online harassment and political fallout
Following his election win in May 2024, Ali was filmed chanting “Allahu Akbar” and dedicating the victory to Palestine. The video triggered a torrent of online abuse and threats, forcing him and his family into temporary police protection. The right-wing backlash grew so intense that he had to go into hiding.
Far-right commentators falsely accused him of participating in riots during unrest in Leeds, further endangering his safety.
The harassment campaign extended into his personal life, with haters visiting his home and escalating the threat level.
Despite the intimidation, Ali has remained outspoken.
He continues to advocate for political representation for marginalised communities, showing his resolve has only grown stronger in the face of adversity.
Islamophobia on the rise
Ali’s experiences are part of a broader surge in Islamophobic incidents across the UK. In recent months, Muslims have been stalked, harassed, and filmed in public spaces. In Preston, a man filmed Muslim families outside a hotel and falsely claimed they were asylum seekers.
In another case, anti-Muslim graffiti appeared in County Durham reading “Keep the dirty Muslims out the villages.” Elsewhere, a man in Essex was arrested after racially abusing Muslim women and vandalising homes with England flags.
This climate of hostility has prompted growing concern from experts and activists who warn that a far-right inspired attack on the Muslim community may be imminent.
The normalisation of hate speech and misinformation online is fuelling real-world violence, with right-wing influencers playing a central role in spreading conspiracy theories and anti-Muslim rhetoric across social media platforms.
