Historical statement · published 16 September 2025. References and circumstances reflect the time of publication.
Luton Council of Mosques (LCM) stands with all communities who felt threatened and demeaned by Saturday’s mass rally in London, led by the far-right agitators. What many witnessed—in person and via widely shared footage—was not a celebration of free speech but a platform for hostility, dehumanising rhetoric, and intimidation of Muslims, migrants and other minorities. Reports also showed children present amid extremist chanting, which raises serious safeguarding concerns.
Free expression is a democratic right. Incitement to hatred and violence is not. When messages that target neighbours and fellow citizens are amplified to vast audiences online, they normalise division and fear far beyond a single day. Our town knows from experience that this harms everyone—Muslim and non-Muslim alike—by fraying trust and safety in everyday life.
Why this matters to Luton This rally did not happen in a vacuum. For years, sections of public discourse have scapegoated migrants and routinely stereotyped Muslims. We also note the double standards many feel: peaceful community demonstrations are often mischaracterised, while openly far-right mobilisations have been permitted and downplayed. That inconsistency erodes confidence in institutions that should protect us all.
What we’re asking for We are engaging with local partners and respectfully call for: – Clear national leadership: a public, cross-party condemnation of hate speech and intimidation; firm rebuttal of narratives that dehumanise minorities. – Online responsibility: stronger safeguards against the algorithmic amplification of hate and calls to violence. – Local reassurance and safeguarding: visible patrols around vulnerable sites, rapid reporting routes, and early briefings on any protective security schemes for places of worship. – Consistent standards: equal treatment of all forms of extremism in policing and policy.
What LCM is doing now 1. Working with Luton Council, Bedfordshire Police and faith partners through existing community-safety forums. 2. Sharing calm, factual guidance to imams and mosque volunteers; refreshing stewarding and site checks. 3. Hosting listening spaces and interfaith outreach to strengthen relationships and reduce anxiety. 4. Collating concerns from residents and passing verified information through the proper channels.
If you’ve been affected In an emergency, call 999. For non-urgent incidents, call 101 or report online via True Vision (Police hate crime).
You can also report anti-Muslim hate to the Islamophobia Response Unit https://www.theiru.org.uk/report-islamophobia/, and seek independent support through Citizens Advice, local advocacy groups, or your GP/NHS Talking Therapies.
Community leaders can contact LCM to coordinate pastoral support and signposting.
Our pledge Luton is a generous, resilient town. We refuse the politics of fear. We will keep building bridges, protecting the vulnerable, and standing with our neighbours of every faith and background. We invite all local organisations to join us in practical solidarity and to model the respectful disagreement that a healthy democracy requires.
Luton Council of Mosques No place for hate. Stronger together .