Following the MCB’s letter to the Prime Minister on Monday 18 March 2019 calling on the government to properly fund mosque security, and the Home Secretary’s announcement on 19 March 2019 of additional funding for the Places of Worship scheme, the MCB issued the following statement:
The increase in the Places of Worship fund, the simplified bidding process and the investment in non-physical security support, are all welcome first steps, in particular given the heightened concerns following the terrorist incidents targeting Muslims in New Zealand and at a smaller level, here in the UK.
However, British Muslim communities may still question why the funding is not proportionate to the risks they face, given the Home Office’s own figures last year showing that over half of religious hate crime is targeted at Muslims.
We hope the consultation with faith representatives will be inclusive of all organisations investing efforts to ensure British Muslims are safe in the UK.