False Claims Against Immigrants and Muslims in the U.K.

In recent months, thousands of people have poured into the streets of the U.K. in many anti-immigrant protests. Social media has been flooded with misinformation against immigrants and Muslims amid a growing wave of protests targeting migrant hotels across the U.K.

On September 13, 2025, about 110,000 people marched in London under the slogan "Unite the Kingdom," demonstrating that immigration had overtaken the cost-of-living crisis as the most visible political issue in the public consciousness.

This month, the Science and Technology Select Committee said failures to properly tackle online misinformation mean it is “only a matter of time” before viral content triggers a repeat of the 2024 summer riots, MPs have warned.

A number of claims have been detected that amplify hate speech and misinformation against immigrants and Muslims. 

Migrant Hotels Fuel Protest and Misinformation 

In recent months, a number of demonstrations have taken place in front of asylum seeker hotels throughout the United Kingdom. 

In October, six people were arrested in Dublin after Irish police were attacked with bricks, fireworks, and glass bottles during a protest outside an asylum-seeker hotel.

Last August, protests over the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers were held across the U.K.

Misbar detected a video circulating on social media alleging that, “robot dogs are now patrolling outside migrant hotels to protect foreign invaders—all paid for by the taxpayer.”

The claim has been heavily spread across far-right pages. 

Misbar conducted a reverse image search of the video’s key frames  and compared landmarks and found the claim to be misleading.

The video shows the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) building, which is a new religious movement founded by Egyptian-American Abdullah Hashem, who claims to be the Qāʾim Āl-Muḥammad.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light receives funding through donations and is a registered charity that does not receive any funds from U.K. taxpayers. 

Did Islamists Attack Police Officers in Birmingham?

Another video has gone viral on social media, claiming that Islamists attacked police officers in Birmingham while responding to a reported crime. 

The team investigated the viral video and found out that the footage is misleading; the video is from 2023, when two parking enforcement officers were battered in Birmingham.

The footage was captured outside a restaurant in the Sparkhill area of the city.

The police in the West Midlands have stated that they are looking into the assault and have asked anyone who may have seen it to come forward.

Private Charity Did Not Spend Taxpayers' Money on Migrants

Another widely propagated claim is that £60 million of taxpayers' money is being spent on private doctors for illegal migrants, while ordinary Brits are forced to wait weeks just to get an appointment.

The West London Welcome charity said in a statement, "Our seaside day out (wholly funded by privately donated funds) was a joyous one in support of our vision for refugees (many living on £8.86 a week) to feel welcome and supported by local communities and live in dignity."

Charities Warn Of Attacks Against Migrants' Homes 

According to Louise Calvey of Asylum Matters, a charity that advocates for improved asylum conditions in the U.K., the organization has heard of a rise in hate crimes committed close to HMOs and rumors going around the community that HMOs are taking in migrants when in fact they are not.

This anger and fearmongering about HMOs raises the risk of hate crimes against all racialized people, she stated. 

The number of homes of multiple occupation (HMOs) has increased as renters seek affordable housing during a housing crisis.

U.K. Government Response to the Protests 

The Labour government released a comprehensive white paper titled "Restoring Control over the Immigration System" in May 2025, which signaled significant reforms.

It seeks to reduce net migration while preserving legal avenues for business and talent.

The paper proposed raising the skill threshold for the Skilled Worker route to RQF 6 (equivalent to a bachelor's degree or higher), as well as increasing English language and salary requirements for the majority of work routes. Higher employer costs: The Immigration Skills Charge increased by approximately 32%.

Misinformation Campaigns Threaten Public Safety

Misinformation campaigns have long depicted migrants as a threat to public safety, culture, and economic stability.

These campaigns have capitalized on fears and uncertainties, creating narratives that falsely portray migrants as a drain on national resources and a security risk.

Misinformation has fostered an environment of fear, suspicion, and hostility toward migrant populations by perpetuating such misleading portrayals.

The impacts of this fear mongering have been tangible and far-reaching. In many cases, it has resulted in the implementation of strict immigration policies and increased border security measures. 

These policies, motivated by misconceptions spread through misinformation, further marginalize migrant populations, making it even more difficult for them to access necessary services, integrate into society, and achieve economic stability.

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