‘Hate crime in general and Islamophobia in particular have become major issues in Britain. Shaped by a range of dynamics; there has been a reported 40% increase in hate crime in 2017 with a 52% increase in Islamophobic incidents (Homeoffice, 2018). Many argue that Media bias or perceptions of Muslims in the Media could also be a contributing factor. This research project explores this hypothesis. A partnership between Flowhesion, The University of Chester and NCCP; it explores ‘the long-term exposure to Media narratives about Islam and Muslim identity formation and none Muslim ideas about Islam and Muslims’. It hopes to utilise focus groups and questionnaires to drill down to the nuances, experiences and opinions that shroud the issue.

Said Dr Laurens De Rooj; University of Chester lead on this study ‘ We are excited to be working with Flowhesion on this groundbreaking study; we endeavour to ensure that the findings will be fed back through appropriate channels so that the study can make a practical difference to community cohesion and community relations nationally’