British government releases 11.8 million euros to protect mosques

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a new €11.8 million (£10 million) package to boost security at mosques and Muslim religious centers across the UK. This additional funding, which is added to the 34.6 million euros already planned for this year, will be used to install video surveillance cameras, alarms, secure fences and to finance the presence of security personnel.

The announcement comes after the Prime Minister’s visit to the Peacehaven Mosque (East Sussex), recently targeted by an arson attack. According to authorities, anti-Muslim hate crimes increased by 19% year-on-year, accounting for almost half of religious crimes recorded in the country. “Attacks on one community are attacks on our entire nation,” Keir Starmer said. “This funding will enable Muslims to live in peace and security. »

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood denounced violence “contrary to British values ​​of freedom and tolerance”, affirming that “the right to practice one’s faith without fear must be defended”. For her part, Akeela Ahmed, director of the British Muslim Trustwelcomed the measure: “Too many faithful today live in fear. This funding will provide the security and peace of mind that our communities need. »

An initiative seen as a strong signal to British Muslims, at a time when religious tensions and Islamophobic acts are increasingly worrying the country.