The UK government has pledged £117 million ($150 million) to enhance security at mosques, Muslim sites, schools, and community centers nationwide over the next four years. This commitment by the Home Office comes as a response to a rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents since the conflict in Middle East began last October.
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Home Secretary James Cleverly said, There is no place for anti-Muslim hatred in our society. We will not tolerate using events in the Middle East as an excuse to target British Muslims.
Security measures will include the implementation of CCTV, alarm systems, and perimeter fencing. An additional £31 million will be allocated to protect democratic processes and institutions against extremist threats.
Approximately four million Muslims reside in the UK. Tell MAMA, an organization that monitors anti-Muslim hate, reported a 335 percent increase in online attacks, physical assaults, and other forms of targeting last month compared to the previous year.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced criticism for not speaking out against extremist statements made by members of his own Conservative party.
The government is set to introduce a new official definition of extremism to prevent groups promoting unacceptable views from receiving state funding or support.
An additional funding of 29.4 million pounds ($37.7m) for 2023 through 2024 has been allocated for the Muslim community, in addition to the already budgeted amount. This funding will be distributed over the next four years.
In February, the UK announced 54 million pounds ($68m) in new funding to protect Jewish communities, who have also experienced a rise in hate incidents.
