Frequency of Mosque Attacks Puts Spotlight on Security Concerns

Frequency of Mosque Attacks

New data released by a government partner indicates that one mosque is attacked every five days. The British Muslim Trust reported more than 70 attacks on mosques over the past year, which include acts of intimidation, violence, property damage, harassment, anti-Muslim hate speech, online abuse and vandalism.

Hotspots for Attacks

The top three hotspots for mosque attacks are London, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands. There have been nine separate mosque attacks in London in the past year. Meanwhile, a single mosque in Birmingham has experienced multiple attacks over the last 12 months.

Government Response and Funding

In response to these growing concerns, the government announced plans earlier this year to provide up to £40 million for protective security measures at mosques as part of the Protective Security for Mosques scheme. The initiative allows mosques to apply for funding for physical security improvements such as CCTV, alarms, fencing and security personnel services.

However, the British Muslim Trust argues that accessing this funding is challenging for many mosques due to a backlog in processing applications and unclear criteria. According to Akeela Ahmed, the chief executive of the British Muslim Trust, some mosques have faced up to 18-month waits for funding approval. This has left them vulnerable and fearing further attacks.

Broader Context

The issue of mosque security is part of a broader trend of anti-Muslim sentiment in Britain. A study by the British Muslim Trust and British Future found that one in six Britons believe the growth of the Muslim population poses a threat to UK culture, highlighting the normalization of hostile attitudes towards Muslims.

Home Office spokespersons stated that they are increasing funding for protective security at mosques and other Muslim community centers. They emphasized the importance of not only physical safety but also psychological safety for members of the Muslim community.

Source: The Guardian