The UK government unveiled a series of additional security measures for mosques to reassure the British Muslim community ahead of the holy period of Ramadan starting next month.
In the wake of the New Zealand mosque attack, which claimed 50 lives last month, the UK government said that it had taken the concerns of the British Muslim community on board to offer them more funds to install more alarms, security lighting, CCTV cameras and any other measures they feel are necessary for the protection of worshippers.
“The government recognises that Muslim communities remain anxious following the horrendous attacks in New Zealand, and particularly in advance of Ramadan. The police and their partners are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of the public, particularly around religious festivals, and holy days. This will include operational policing plans for the Ramadan period,” the UK Home Office said in a statement.
“In addition, the Home Office will be supporting Faith Associates, an organisation which will provide security training and advice to Muslim places of worship in preparation for the Islamic holy month,” the statement added.
The Home Office drive will provide security training and advice through 12 safety and security workshops across England and Wales, as well as guidance and leaflets circulated to mosques, community centres and madrasas, to protect places of worship from hate crime attacks.
Akeela Gheewalla Ahmed, Chair of the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group (AMHWG) said: “I welcome the improvements to the places of worship fund and the initiative to help mosques to take steps to improve their security during Ramadan.
“The AMHWG look forward to continuing to work with the Home Office to reduce the vulnerabilities of places of worship, so that people are free to practice their faith without fear of attack.”
Mosques across the UK are being urged to apply for funding from an additional £1.6 million set aside for security measures to protect places of worship in Britain.
“In the coming days and weeks, millions of people from different faiths will be marking religious festivals up and down the UK. At this time of reflection, devotion and celebration, it’s vital everyone feels safe and protected in the places of worship they attend,” said UK home secretary Sajid Javid, as he announced a revamped Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme.
UK Minister for Counter Extremism Baroness Williams added: “No one should be abused or attacked, because of their faith. The government is committed to not only pursuing perpetrators of these horrendous crimes but also protecting victims.”
Mosques and other religious organisations can register their interest in the security scheme starting Friday, with the formal opening of applications in July. The Home Office claims it is making the application process easier, with applicants benefiting from having a central provider for assessments, quotes and installation. This is aimed at saving small and volunteer-run institutions significant amounts on administration costs.