In response to rising anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiments, the UK government, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is investing over £117 million to bolster security at religious institutions, making a clear stance against extremism and hate crimes.
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has been actively addressing concerns of extremism and hate crimes within the country, amidst a backdrop of rising anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiments. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat firmly rejected accusations of politicising the issue of extremism, following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s speech that emphasized the necessity of tackling growing disruptions and criminal activities. This comes against calls from former Conservative home secretaries for a bipartisan approach to combat far-right and Islamist groups, warning against using the issue for political leverage.
In a move to ensure public safety and counteract hate crimes, the Home Office, with Home Secretary James Cleverly at the helm, has announced a major funding initiative. The government is investing over £117 million to bolster security at mosques, Muslim schools, and community centres over the next four years. This decision aims to instil confidence and provide reassurance to the UK’s Muslim population against a backdrop of heightened tensions and violence. Cleverly has made it clear that anti-Muslim hatred will not be tolerated and has committed to investigating and prosecuting such hate crimes.
This funding allocation follows a previously announced £70 million support package for Jewish communities, with the investment in Muslim institutions being significantly larger to accommodate the needs of the higher Muslim population and a larger number of sites requiring protection. According to Tugendhat, this shows the government’s dedication to fighting hate crimes and securing the well-being of British Muslims, in collaboration with law enforcement and community organisations.
The government’s response to reports of increasing hate cases is part of a broader strategy to combat discrimination and support communities impacted by religious bias. This is aimed at fostering community cohesion and ensuring that the UK remains a patriotic, liberal, and democratic society free from hate speech and division, as reiterated by Downing Street.
