£10 million to protect Muslim communities

The government has announced a £10 million uplift to provide support and security following a rise in religious hate crimes.

Mosques and Muslim faith centres will receive the funding to protect them from hate crimes and attacks.

The money will pay for security measures including CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing and security personnel services.

The funding comes after the Prime Minister visited Peacehaven mosque, which was recently attacked in a hate crime and set on fire with people inside.

The additional £10 million builds on the £29.4 million that has already been made available this year.

The most recent hate crime statistics show that anti-Muslim hate crimes rose by 19% in the year ending March 2025, and 44% of all religious hate crimes targeted Muslims.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country. Attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation and our values. This funding will provide Muslim communities with the protection they need and deserve, allowing them to live in peace and safety.

“I want a Britain built for all and my government is committed to delivering safer streets for everyone - and that means protecting places of worship from those who seek to divide us through hate and violence.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “The attack on the Peacehaven Mosque was an appalling crime, that could easily have led to an even more devastating outcome.

“I am proud of this country because of the rights we all have to follow the faith of our choosing, and to live free from hatred and fear.

“That right must be defended. Violence and intimidation directed at any community or faith are attacks on us all. We must stand together against those who seek to divide us.”