UK Sees Rise in Hate Crimes on Public Transport

(MENAFN) Recent police statistics reveal that racial and religious hate crimes on public transport across the United Kingdom have risen in recent years, with more than 3,200 racially motivated incidents documented in 2024–25.

Figures from the British Transport Police indicate that racial hate crimes across England, Wales, and Scotland increased from 2,827 cases in 2019–20 to 3,258 in 2024–25, showing a consistent upward trend on trains and buses.

Authorities also reported a surge in religiously motivated offenses, particularly targeting Muslims in England and Wales, while Scotland experienced a sharp escalation in racial hate crimes during the same timeframe.

According to data obtained by a media outlet religious hate crime cases recorded by the British Transport Police rose from 343 in 2019–20 to 419 in 2023–24, before slightly declining to 372 in 2024–25.

Akeela Ahmed, chief executive of the British Muslim Trust, said the statistics mirror reports her organization has been receiving nationwide, urging officials “to take urgent and meaningful action.”

“For visible Muslims in particular, the top deck of a bus or a half-empty train carriage can mean threatening behaviour, verbal abuse, or even violent attack simply because of their faith,” Ahmed explained.

She added that incidents occurring on public transport are among the most complicated and distressing cases her organization deals with.

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