UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announces £10m extra to protect Muslim communities from rising hate crimes following the Peacehaven Mosque attack.
As reported by The Independent, Sir Keir Starmer pledged an extra £10 million in security funding to protect Muslim communities from hate crimes and attacks.
After a suspected arson at Peacehaven Mosque, the Labour leader pledged the funding increase during his visit to the East Sussex site.
No one was injured in the fire that damaged a car and the mosque’s front entrance, with police investigating it as a hate crime.
The government said new funding will boost security at mosques and Muslim faith centres, including CCTV, alarms, fencing, and security staff.
What did Keir Starmer say about protecting Muslim communities?
The prime minister said,
“Britain is a proud and tolerant country. Attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation and our values.”
Keir Starmer stated,
“This funding will provide Muslim communities with the protection they need and deserve, allowing them to live in peace and safety.”
He added,
“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
Mr Starmer continued,
“We shouldn’t need to have security in places of worship, and it’s sad that we do. That (funding) just reflects the responsibility on me, or my Home Secretary and your MP, to do everything we can tackle hate crime, but also to express our support and solidarity.”
During the visit, the family of a mosque member who fled the torched door told the Prime Minister he has become withdrawn since the incident.
One family member told Mr Starmer,
“He’s very traumatised. This (mosque) was his life.”
The prime minister described his visit to the mosque and meeting the community as “humbling.”
He said,
“I have to say their response has been incredible because this was a terrible act of hatred perpetrated on their place of worship, but they have responded with incredible values and warmth, and the local and wider community also has shown just how much the attackers are the complete opposite of this.”
Mr Starmer added,
“I think it’s very clear when some people, just like the people who attacked this mosque, some people, a minority, only want to use the flag to divide, and that’s to devalue the flag. It undermines the values of the flag.”
What did Shabana Mahmood say about the mosque attack?
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated,
“The attack on the Peacehaven Mosque was an appalling crime, that could easily have led to an even more devastating outcome.”
She said,
“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.”
Ms Mahmood added,
“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.”
What did Akeela Ahmed say about funding for Muslim communities?
Akeela Ahmed, CEO of the British Muslim Trust, praised the extra funding, saying everyone “deserves to live their life peacefully” and “without the threat of fear.”
She said,
“Sadly, this is not the case for too many members of our Muslim communities.”
Ms Ahmed stated,
“They have become fearful and apprehensive as their Mosques, places dedicated to faith, love and peace, have been vandalised, set on fire and worshippers abused and assaulted.”
She added,
“We welcome the announcement of this funding which will play a key role in helping members of Britain’s Muslim communities feel the safety and reassurance they need and deserve.”
How will the £10m boost protect Muslim communities?
The government said an additional £10 million will strengthen the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, protecting Muslim centres and faith schools already covered by £29.4 million this year.
According to official figures, anti-Muslim hate crimes rose 19% in the year to March 2025, making up 44% of all religious hate offences.
How many anti-Muslim hate crimes were reported in 2023–24?
Tell Mama reported 10,700 anti-Muslim incidents in 2023–24, with 9,600 verified. Police data show Muslims were targeted in 38% of all religious hate crimes in England and Wales.
Street-based and online attacks have sharply increased. Overall, anti-Muslim hate crimes in the UK have reached record highs.
