Mosques are being offered greater
protection with new emergency security that
can be rapidly deployed, under new arrangements announced by
the Home Secretary today.
The new rapid response process means mosques at risk
of violent disorder can be offered additional
security personnel, providing communities with vital support
and reassurance. This will boost the work already being
done by local police forces to protect these important
places of worship.
Under the new process now in place, the police, local authorities
and mosques can ask for rapid security to be
deployed, protecting communities and allowing for
a return to worship as quickly as possible.
This announcement will build on the existing Protective
Security for Mosques Scheme, with up to £29.4 million
already available this year to fund security at mosques
and Muslim faith schools.
Home Secretary, said:
“Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make
any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and
extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting
local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their
skin.
“In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local
mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is
providing rapid additional support through the Protective
Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local
police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder
and violence will face the full force of the law.
“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous
extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our
country stands for.”
The Government has made clear that targeted attacks on Muslim
communities will not be tolerated. All those involved in violent
disorder, including attacks on the police, local communities,
arson and looting should expect to face the full force of the
law.
The new arrangements have been deployed and are already providing
additional security for mosques across the country this weekend.
The scheme also remains open for general applications and
all those eligible are encouraged to apply.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The Protective Security for Mosques
scheme falls under the £50.9 million in funding made available in
2024/25 to protect faith communities.
- The Home Office is providing
£18 million through the Jewish Community Protective Security
Grant.
- The Home Office has also provided
£3.5 million for places of worship and associated faith community
centres of other (non-Muslim and non-Jewish) faiths.
- Details on how to apply for the
Protective Security for Mosques scheme, or any of the other
faith-based protective security schemes, is available
at: Protective security
schemes for places of worship - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Rapid
response support can be requested by emailing psvc@homeoffice.gov.uk
