The government is expected to unveil plans for an "anti-Muslim hostility tsar" as part of its social cohesion strategy.
A leaked draft suggests a "special representative" will "champion efforts across the UK to tackle hostility and hatred directed at Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim".
Under the proposals, £800 million over 10 years would be allocated to 40 areas where social cohesion is "under pressure".
The 47-page document also warns antisemitism has become "normalised in many corners of society" – from schools and universities to workplaces and the NHS.
The draft was leaked to the Spectator magazine, which reported that ministers will unveil the finalised plans in a cross-Government drive next week.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on leaks.”
A new definition of Islamophobia is also expected to be set out as part of guidance on anti-Muslim hatred.
Critics have argued that a new definition could act as a backdoor “blasphemy law” and limit free speech.
Shadow communities secretary Sir James Cleverly said the proposal for an anti-Muslim hostility “tsar” risked having a “chilling effect”.
He accused Labour of “pandering to sectarianism” after losing the previously rock-solid seat of Gorton and Denton in Greater Manchester to the Greens in a parliamentary by-election last month.
The Tory frontbencher said: “The Conservatives stand against such divisive tactics.
“As Kemi Badenoch said this week, identity politics is a dead end and our country is headed down a dark road if it fails on sectional interests rather than shared values and freedoms.
“Anti-Muslim hatred is real. But we should tackle it with the existing laws we have for that exact purpose, without undermining free expression.”
Last week, a 55-year-old was charged with possession of an offensive weapon after reports of a man armed with an axe entering Manchester Central Mosque during Ramadan prayers.
Nobody was injured during the incident.
A report last year from The Independent revealed that almost half of Muslim women (45 per cent) feel unsafe on public transport, compared to just 8 per cent of women nationally.
More than one in three (34 per cent) of Muslim women said they have experienced Islamophobic or racist abuse whilst travelling, the survey of 1,155 people in November 2025 found.
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