Exclusive:Dundee halal student halls faces violent threats as Reform UK MSP calls for residence to be shut down
The UK’s first halal student halls has faced threats of violence following a call from Reform UK to close the accommodation down
Scotland’s first halal student halls has faced violent threats after Reform UK pledged to shut it down.
Ilm Halal Students Halls in Dundee is open to all faiths but offers an alcohol-free residence with halal cooking spaces.
Despite the building’s cohort of occupants being majority Christian, the flats have drawn backlash from far-right groups.
Mark Simpson, a Reform UK MSP, said on social media that his party would “get it cancelled”.
Now a spokesman for Ilm Halal Students Halls has said threats have been made against the organisation.
He 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.
Currently the 20-room halls has lets agreed with predominantly Christian students with a mix of various other faiths.
The spokesman added: “Recent claims made by certain far‑right commentators, political figures, and media outlets are wholly inaccurate and have caused significant distress to our residents and staff.
“Students choose Ilm because they prefer a quiet, alcohol‑free, respectful environment that supports their wellbeing and academic focus.
“These are values fully aligned with British principles of freedom, safety, and mutual respect.”
The halls have drawn ire on social media from posters who assume they are Muslim-only.
An X account calling itself The Patriot’s Voice posted in opposition to the halal halls.
The post reads: “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.
Mr Simpson added that he would attend a “debate” on the issue, although it was not clear what debate was meant.
The North East Scotland list politician wrote: “I am completely opposed to this and will fight to get it cancelled.
“Let me know when the debate is scheduled for and I’ll be there.
“Reform UK will try to stop this and ensure this never happens again.”
Rose House will be home to 20 male students in the coming term after its owner, ILM Student Halls, bought the building last year.
Catholic and Jewish student accommodation is common in the UK but this is believed to be the first halal student halls.
The student halls spokesman 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 contacted for comment.
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