Racist and religious hate crimes on the rise across UK public transport networks

According to new data obtained by The Guardian, there is a rising trend in racist and religious hate crimes committed on public transport in the UK.

Civil society organizations are warning that the fear of harassment is forcing people to alter their travel routines or abandon public transport entirely. While law enforcement across the country recorded a rise in hate crimes last year, there was a notable increase in racially motivated offenses in Scotland and a significant surge in religious hate crimes, particularly Islamophobia, throughout England and Wales.

Public transport carries unique risks because perpetrators can isolate victims, often act under the influence of alcohol, and can usually flee the scene quickly without being held accountable. According to a report obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, racist hate crimes reported to the British Transport Police in England, Wales, and Scotland rose from 2,827 in the 2019–2020 period to 3,258 in 2024–2025.

Religious hate crimes followed a similar trend. Cases rose from 343 in 2019–2020 to 419 in 2023–2024, before recording a slight decrease to 372 in 2024–2025.

In August, a young woman named Courtney, traveling by train from Glasgow city center, recounted being verbally abused by an elderly woman sitting across from her. Courtney stated that the woman began using racial slurs for no reason and escalated the situation by spraying disinfectant on her while shouting, “Go back to your own country.”

Courtney, who shares snippets of her daily life on TikTok, decided to record the incident for her safety. Despite intervention from some passengers, Courtney noted that the emotional impact remains. “Making the person being targeted feel they are not alone is by far the most helpful thing. Just standing by someone or checking on them can completely change the situation in terms of how supported they feel,” she said.

Akeela Ahmed, chair of the British Muslim Trust, confirmed that Islamophobic harassment against visibly Muslim individuals, including children, is on the rise. Ahmed stated that buses and trains have become particularly unsafe for Muslim women and girls, noting that verbal abuse and threats of violence often go unpunished.

“Many Muslims now feel compelled to analyze every movement, facial expression, or gesture in minute detail due to the fear of being misunderstood, recorded, and having those images used against them,” Ahmed observed. She also pointed to the lack of CCTV systems on buses and at remote transport hubs, which she emphasized makes it easier for perpetrators to evade responsibility.

Carol Young, deputy director of the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, warned that many incidents go unrecorded. “Public transport may not feel safe for everyone; some people avoid it entirely or limit their travel to specific times,” Young said.

Arson attempt against a mosque

Hate crimes specifically targeting Muslims are on the rise in the UK. In an incident in October 2025, police forces in southern England launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack targeting a mosque in the town of Peacehaven, East Sussex.

Emergency services responded to a fire at the mosque on Phyllis Avenue following reports of flames at the entrance. CCTV footage recorded two individuals, both wearing dark clothing and masks, approaching the front entrance. One suspect sprayed a flammable substance on the doorway before setting it on fire.

Fire crews quickly brought the blaze under control, preventing the flames from spreading further. No injuries were reported, though the mosque and a nearby vehicle sustained significant material damage.

A mosque spokesperson expressed relief that no one was harmed despite the physical damage. “While the incident caused damage to our building and vehicles, we are extremely grateful that no one was injured,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson continued: “This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect, and mutual support, and we will continue to uphold these values. We urge everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion.”

The East London Mosque also condemned the attack, noting it was the second act of violence targeting a place of worship in the UK within a single week.