Around £10million will be made available to mosques and Muslim faith centres for security measures such as CCTV and alarm systems to protect them from hate crimes and attacks
Keir Starmer has announced new security funding for mosques after he visited one targeted by a suspected arson attack earlier this month.
Around £10million will be made available to mosques and Muslim faith centres to protect them from hate crimes and attacks, the government said today. The funding boost will help with security measures including CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing and security staff.
It came as Mr Starmer said it was “humbling” to visit Peacehaven mosque in East Sussex. No one was injured in the fire which damaged the front entrance of the mosque and a car on 4 October. Sussex Police said on Wednesday they had arrested three men on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fire.
Mr Starmer said on Thursday: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country. Attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation and our values. This funding will provide Muslim communities with the protection they need and deserve, allowing them to live in peace and safety.
“I want a Britain built for all and my government is committed to delivering safer streets for everyone – and that means protecting places of worship from those who seek to divide us through hate and violence.”
Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, added: “The attack on the Peacehaven Mosque was an appalling crime, that could easily have led to an even more devastating outcome. I am proud of this country because of the rights we all have to follow the faith of our choosing, and to live free from hatred and fear.
“That right must be defended. Violence and intimidation directed at any community or faith are attacks on us all. We must stand together against those who seek to divide us.”
CEO of the British Muslim Trust Akeela Ahmed welcomed the funding, saying: “Freedom of religious belief and practice is a cornerstone of British values.
“Everyone deserves to live their life peacefully and without the threat of fear and intimidation simply for being who they are. Sadly, this is not the case for too many members of our Muslim communities. They have become fearful and apprehensive as their Mosques, places dedicated to faith, love and peace, have been vandalised, set on fire and worshippers abused and assaulted.”