New Trust to Replace Tell MAMA as Anti-Muslim Hate Monitor

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The UK government is preparing to establish a new trust to monitor anti-Muslim hatred, following the breakdown of relations with the long-standing watchdog Tell MAMA, which has paused its operations after losing government funding.

Tell MAMA, founded in 2012, was the principal body responsible for tracking and reporting anti-Muslim hate incidents in the UK. It stopped accepting government funding in early 2025, citing a collapse in trust with the Labour-run faith ministry and sustained smear campaigns. According to the organisation, delays in funding, coupled with what it described as hostile and baseless attacks on its integrity, created an unsustainable working environment for its staff.

The timing of Tell MAMA’s departure has raised alarm among community leaders and police forces, especially given the sharp rise in reported anti-Muslim incidents. In 2024, the group recorded over 6,000 verified incidents, marking a 43 per cent increase from the previous year. The surge has been largely attributed to the fallout from the Israel-Gaza conflict and public tensions following the Southport murders. Law enforcement agencies have previously acknowledged Tell MAMA’s data as instrumental in informing hate crime policy and prosecutions.

Director Iman Atta has strongly defended the organisation, describing the situation as the result of targeted disinformation campaigns. She accused various public figures, including crossbench peer Lady Shaista Gohir and former Conservative chair Sayeeda Warsi, of spreading damaging allegations regarding financial conduct and political bias. A proposed grant renewal by the ministry reportedly included a controversial clause that would have required Tell MAMA to hand over sensitive operational control, an element the organisation refused.

Government officials maintain that funding has not been entirely revoked. They say around £1 million remains available, subject to the signing of a formal agreement. However, they have confirmed that a competitive process will now be launched to select a new provider to carry out the monitoring of anti-Muslim hate going forward.

While concerns have been raised about the future credibility of any replacement, particularly from Labour-leaning commentators and Muslim advocacy groups, some in the centre-right space argue that the creation of a new trust could offer a fresh start. With proper governance and oversight, a successor organisation may continue providing vital support for victims while ensuring greater transparency and value for public money.

From a centre-right viewpoint, the move is about balancing accountability with continuity, preserving effective hate crime monitoring without compromising standards of public integrity.