Young British Muslims Fear Impact of Trump Era and Social Media Hostility: MCB

IQNA – Young British Muslims are increasingly concerned about the resurgence of Islamophobia, fueled by far-right rhetoric and global political shifts, according to Zara Mohammed, the outgoing leader of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).

In her final interview with the PA news agency, Mohammed, the first woman and youngest person to lead the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella organisation, reflected on what she described as a “deeply challenging time” for British Muslims. 

Citing hostility on social media platforms, Mohammed highlighted a growing unease over Elon Musk's influence as the billionaire assumes a key advisory role in Trump’s administration.

She noted Musk’s controversial online commentary on UK politics, including his pressure on the Prime Minister to initiate an inquiry into grooming gangs, which she described as contributing to the vilification of Muslim and Pakistani communities. 

“Young Muslims are increasingly avoiding platforms like X due to the hostility and vitriol,” she said. “Using child grooming as a political tool to make one community look barbaric is deeply worrying.” 

Mohammed also expressed alarm over the normalisation of far-right figures, referencing Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage as prominent examples. She warned that anti-immigrant and anti-refugee rhetoric, coupled with escalating Islamophobia, would likely remain significant challenges in 2025. 

Reflecting on her tenure, Mohammed described the riots following last summer’s Southport stabbings as one of the most difficult periods of her leadership. Seeing mobs attack Muslims, mosques, and refugees was a stark reminder of the divisions that persist despite efforts to foster unity, she said.

She emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between the Government and organisations like the MCB to address such issues effectively. However, she criticised the UK Government’s continued non-engagement policy with the MCB, describing it as a “disservice to future generations.” 

Ties between the Government and the MCB were first severed in 2009 over reported comments by a senior MCB figure supporting Hamas. Although relations were briefly restored, successive administrations have maintained a policy of non-engagement. 

A Government spokesperson declined to comment on the specific reasons for this stance but reiterated that all forms of religious and racial hatred are unacceptable. They added that the Government continues to engage with faith communities and is working toward a cohesive approach to tackling Islamophobia. 

Source: Agencies