Halal Student Accommodation in Scotland Targeted with Intimidation Amid Political Backlash

IQNA – What was meant to be a pioneering step toward inclusive student living in Dundee has turned into a security concern.

The UK's first halal student halls, bas  ed in Dundee, has faced threats of violence after Reform UK pledged to shut it down.

The ILM Halal Student Halls is open to all faiths, offering an alcohol-free residence with halal cooking spaces and prayer facilities.

Despite being majority-occupied by people of the Christian faith, it has attracted supporters of Reform UK's anti-Muslim rhetoric after one of their MSPs, Mark Simpson, said he would "get it cancelled".

Now, The Scotsman reports that the organization which runs the halls has faced threats and staff have been subjected to abuse.

A spokesperson said: "The spread of misinformation online has already led to abusive messages and threats, including threats to burn down the accommodation - placing innocent residents of all faiths who simply wish to study and live peacefully under direct risk.”

The building, which serves students from St Andrews, Dundee and Abertay universities, is not a religious-exclusive residence and is open to people of all faiths who seek a "quiet, alcohol-free, respectful environment," the spokesperson added.

“These are values fully aligned with British principles of freedom, safety, and mutual respect," he said.

The halls are currently occupied by people of a mix of different faiths.

But far-right misinformation that has categorized the halls as exclusively Muslim-only – which wouldn't be illegal nor abnormal with Christian and Jewish student accommodations also present across various universities in the UK – has drawn large amounts of hate online.

Posting on X/Twitter, far-right account The Patriot’s Voice posted: “Britain’s first 'Muslims-only' student halls just opened in Dundee, Scotland.

“Halal accommodation. Segregated by faith. Celebrated as progress.

“Now picture the absolute meltdown if someone launched Christian-only halls. Wall-to-wall outrage.

“This isn’t diversity. It’s the quiet installation of parallel rules on British soil - and we’re expected to clap.

“How is this still treated as normal in 2026?”

The post was shared by Reform UK MSP Mark Simpson, who added that he is “completely opposed” to the halls.

He added that “Reform UK will try to stop this and ensure this never happens again.”

The student halls spokesperson added: “Ilm Halal Student Halls remains committed to providing safe, inclusive, and respectful accommodation for all residents, regardless of faith or background.

“We urge media outlets and public figures to report responsibly, verify information before publication, and avoid rhetoric that endangers young people in our care.”

Reform UK has been approached for comment.

Source: thenational.scot