The Government has announced a new working definition of anti-Muslim hostility as part of a broader strategy to address rising hate crimes and strengthen social cohesion. The definition includes acts such as violence, harassment, intimidation, vandalism, and prejudicial stereotyping directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim. The definition is non-statutory, meaning it carries no legal force and will serve primarily as guidance for government departments and public institutions. Communities secretary Steve Reed told Parliament that it is intended to help authorities better understand, measure, and respond to anti-Muslim hostility; he said that hate crimes against Muslims had risen by nearly 20% in the year to March 2025. The Government also confirmed that a special representative will be appointed to support the implementation and understanding of the definition. Some critics expressed concern that the policy could limit legitimate criticism of religion, though ministers insisted that freedom of speech, including the right to criticise religious beliefs, remains fully protected under existing law.