- Increased support for Muslim communities after rise in
religious hate crimes
- £10m uplift to provide vital security measures including
CCTV, alarm systems and secure fencing
- Funding forms part of government's Plan for Change to create
safer streets across Britain
Mosques and Muslim faith centres across the UK will benefit from
an additional £10 million in security funding to protect them
from hate crime and attacks, the Prime Minister announced today.
The new investment will provide vital security measures including
CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing and security personnel
services. It demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring
Muslim communities get the protection they need and deserve.
The funding boost to the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme
follows the Prime Minister's visit to Peacehaven Mosque in East
Sussex today, which was targeted in an arson attack on
4th October. The Scheme protects mosques, Muslim community
centres and Muslim faith schools that have experienced or are
vulnerable to hate crime.
This additional £10m funding means more sites can be protected
and builds on the £29.4 million already available this year for
mosques and Muslim faith schools.
Recent months have seen concerning attacks on mosques. During
last summer's violent disorder, mosques in Southport, Hull and
Sunderland were targeted, causing significant distress to local
communities.
The most recent hate crime statistics show that anti-Muslim hate
crimes rose by 19% in the year ending March 2025, and 44% of all
religious hate crimes targeted Muslims.
Prime Minister said:
"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."
Home Secretary said:
“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, British Muslim Trust, Akeela Ahmed said:
“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.
"We welcome the announcement of this funding which will play a
key role in helping members of Britain's Muslim communities feel
the safety and reassurance they need and deserve."
