UK Government Proposes New Measures for Police to Record Non-Criminal Hate Incidents

The UK government is contemplating a new policy that would require police to record non-criminal hate incidents, aiming to address a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic abuse, according to a report by the Times on Monday.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is considering reversing previous reforms introduced by the Conservative government. These reforms set a higher threshold for recording hate incidents, requiring evidence of “intentional hostility” and a significant risk of escalation to violence or criminal activity.
Cooper is concerned that this guidance hinders the police’s ability to monitor and respond to tensions affecting Jewish and Muslim communities, particularly in light of recent increases in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. This surge has been notably linked to recent geopolitical events, including the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Antisemitic incidents have reportedly doubled, while Islamophobic incidents have tripled in recent months.
Recent far-right rioting in the UK, which saw attacks on mosques and anti-Muslim chants, has further highlighted the issue.
A Home Office spokesperson stated: “The Home Office is committed to reversing the previous government’s decision to downgrade the monitoring of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate, given the increased rates of such incidents. It is crucial that the police are able to record non-crime hate incidents when it is proportionate and necessary to help prevent more serious crimes. We are carefully considering how to balance protecting individuals and communities from hate while also safeguarding free speech.”