The MCB is urging mosques to review and strengthen security measures ahead of Friday prayers due to the increase in far-right protests across the UK.
Recent incidents have seen deeply disturbing scenes in Southport of mobs targeting mosques and hurling stones, shouting Islamophobic abuse, and setting fire to police vans. Similar mobs have been witnessed storming through Hartlepool, Manchester and Downing Street.
We encourage mosques to collaborate with local partners, including the police, to help maintain calm and foster unity within communities.
Commenting on recent events, Secretary-General Zara Mohammed stated:
“The last few days have witnessed shocking scenes of far-right thugs causing havoc in our streets and seeking to intimidate Muslim communities and mosques. The scale of damage and injury to the police is completely reprehensible.
Given reports of more planned protests, we encourage communities to be extra vigilant and to enhance security measures. We cannot allow such division in our communities. We should continue with calm and a spirit of unity, as demonstrated by the locals in Southport.”
We call upon the Government to offer greater reassurance to Muslim communities at this time and to provide a clear response to tackle rising violent islamophobia, and commit to greater security measures for mosques under attack.
Please check updated MCB resources on our website and join our evening briefing for more information.