The use of the niqab is particularly controversial in the UK

Media blamed for Islamophobia in Britain

Media blamed for Islamophobia in Britain

By Ian Dunt

Brits are most likely to blame the media for Islamophobia in the UK, according to a new survey.

Asked "which one of the following groups do you think is most to blame for Islamophobia in the UK", 29% of people blamed the media.

'Muslims abroad' came second, with 14% of the vote, followed by far-right political groups such as the BNP, with 13%.

Eleven per cent blamed Muslims in the UK while ten per cent blamed politicians and government.

Only one per cent of respondents questioned whether there was Islamophobia in the UK.

The ComRes survey found that young people were more likely to blame the media for fear of Muslims while older people were more likely to blame Muslims in the UK.

Just 18% of the 65+ age group blamed the media, compared to 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds.

When asked whether Muslims in the UK were to blame, only eight per cent of 18-24s agreed, compared to 15% of 55 to 63-year olds.