'Everybody knows’: Islamophobia, safety and belonging in our town - statement of support

“Everybody knows’: Islamophobia, safety and belonging in our town” is an important and timely report.

There is no place for Islamophobia in Luton or anywhere in Bedfordshire or indeed anywhere.

However unfortunately, a neighbour, a work colleague, a friend, or even a family member could be subject to Islamophobia or any other form of hate. Nobody should ever feel unsafe, unwelcome, or judged because of their faith, race, or ethnicity.

The report demonstrates the corrosive impact of Islamophobia in Luton and how it is affecting communities across the town. The research and analysis show the extent and reach of prejudice and discrimination against, and the harm inflicted on Muslim residents. This is simply wrong and unacceptable.

We all have a duty to call out and challenge Islamophobia whenever and wherever it occurs and whoever practices it.

We must challenge and oppose far right politicians and those in the media who promote, fuel, and seek to provide cover or even respectability for Islamophobia. We must understand the fear and anxiety that these politicians and agitators as well the events reported in the media have our communities in Luton and beyond. We must act accordingly. Simply saying we oppose Islamophobia is not enough. We must be actively anti-Islamophobia.

The language we use, policies we pursue, and our actions matter even if we are not ourselves far right political activists. There can be no compromise and failure to act is tantamount to complicity.

Responsibility to say no and to act against Islamophobia is not for politicians alone. Everybody has a role to play.

The “Everybody knows report” should be a wakeup call to every public agency, every business and everyone living and working in Luton and beyond. Those in leadership positions have a specific duty to act. We should assess our policies, procedures, practices, language, and behaviours to ensure that they are not discriminatory.

Opposing Islamophobia is vital. However, we also must promote the positive contribution which the Muslim communities make to our collective social, economic, and cultural wellbeing.

The report sets out critical recommendations which should be pursued, but we need to go further and do so with speed and determination.

I pledge to do whatever I can to oppose Islamophobia, and all others forms of racial and faith-based hatred. I am committed enacting to the spirit of the “Everybody knows” report and its recommendations, and the agenda set out in this statement.

I have recently introduced an independent third-party reporting system for hate crime. I know that this is an important but small step and that we must do much more. I will hold the police service to account for its actions and impact.

Finally, I would like to place on record my thanks to Faces, Raise Up and The Courtney Foundation for this vital report. I look forward to collaborating with them and others to tackle Islamophobia in Luton and Bedfordshire.