Keir Starmer has revealed a new funding initiative to enhance security at mosques following a recent arson incident at one of the sites he visited.
The government has pledged around £10 million to support mosques and Muslim faith centers in safeguarding themselves against hate crimes and attacks. This funding injection will assist in implementing security enhancements such as CCTV systems, alarm installations, secure fencing, and security personnel.
During his visit to the Peacehaven mosque in East Sussex, Mr. Starmer expressed his gratitude, describing it as a “humbling” experience. The incident on October 4, which resulted in damage to the mosque’s front entrance and a vehicle, did not cause any injuries. Sussex Police reported the arrest of three individuals on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fire.
Mr. Starmer emphasized the importance of unity and tolerance, stating that assaults on any community threaten the nation’s values. He highlighted the significance of the allocated funding in ensuring the safety and peace of Muslim communities, aiming to create a society where all individuals can live securely.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood echoed similar sentiments, condemning the attack on the Peacehaven Mosque and emphasizing the right to practice faith without fear. She urged solidarity against acts of violence and intimidation targeting any community or belief system.
Akeela Ahmed, the CEO of the British Muslim Trust, welcomed the funding as a means to uphold religious freedom and promote peace within communities. She emphasized the necessity for individuals to live without fear or intimidation, especially within Muslim communities that have faced vandalism, arson, and abuse in their places of worship.
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