Confronting Islamophobia and its consequences in East London in a context of increased surveillance and stigmatisation

Islamophobia is an issue faced by Muslims across Europe. In the UK, there a growing acceptance that government’s counter-terrorism policy, Prevent, has led to increased discrimination. Current research split on whether discrimination among leading disengagement and retreat from public life or this inspired feeling of responsibility participate more actively engage in politics alternative forms political resistance. This paper presents results London case study larger comparative project which seeks assess consequences experience evaluating individual collective responses terms participation representation. Based qualitative including semi-structured interviews participant observation Tower Hamlets (East London), we show how Muslim individuals, civil society actors, have responded Islamophobia, associated with it, context surveillance after introduction ‘Prevent Duty’ 2015. We focus confronting stigmatisation include initiative campaigning group Citizens UK sought explore potential for wider coalitions against Muslims. investigate emerging strategies are being adopted as reaction examine extent constitute means ‘fighting back’ through engagement new climate fostered either mobilisation demobilisation. Our findings indicate resistance prominent than mass some evidence retreating engagement.