UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced an additional £10 million in security funding to protect Muslim communities across Britain amid a sharp rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents and attacks on mosques.
The announcement came during his visit to Peacehaven Mosque in East Sussex, which was targeted in a suspected arson attack on October 4. No one was injured, but the fire damaged the mosque’s entrance and a nearby parked car. Police are treating the case as a hate crime.
The additional funds will be used to strengthen security measures at mosques, Islamic centers, and faith schools, including CCTV cameras, alarm systems, secure fencing, and trained security personnel.
According to the UK government, hate crimes against Muslims have risen by 19% in the year ending March 2025, with Muslims accounting for 44% of all religiously motivated crimes, reports The Guardian.
“Britain is a proud and tolerant country. Attacks on any community are attacks on our whole nation and on our values,” Starmer said. “This funding will give Muslim communities the protection they need and deserve, allowing them to live in peace and security. I want a Britain built for everyone — and that means safeguarding places of worship from those who seek to divide us through hate and violence.”
