London (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – More police protection is required at mosques across the capital as Muslims feel “extremely worried” in the wake of far-right demonstrations, the London Liberal Democrats have cautioned.
What Are the Recent Threats Facing London’s Muslim Community?
Hina Bokhari, who oversees the party on the London Assembly, announced the “unacceptable” spread of hate offences by the far right, following the murder of three young girls in Southport on Monday, which has left many Muslims “extremely nervous that they could be targeted”.
The Met Police expressed it had “met with leaders from the Muslim community” and is scheduled for “every eventuality”.
How Have Far-Right Demonstrations Affected Mosque Security in London?
Since the episode in Southport, some violent demonstrations have broken out over the week in towns and municipalities across the UK – including attacks on mosques in Southport and Hartlepool, fuelled by unsubstantiated online rumours that the suspect was Muslim. More than 100 people were stopped at a demonstration outside Downing Street.
What Are the Implications of Rising Islamophobia for London’s Muslim Community?
Ms Bokhari stated: “The community in Southport have been suffering and yet they have also had to respond to terrible screams, violent crime and racist aggression on their local mosque from extremists. “We have now seen this violence circulated onto the streets of London, with our police force being attacked. This is inappropriate.
“I am pleased that the Prime Minister and other leading politicians have firmly called this out. I’d also like to thank the police for their actions so far to keep residents safe at this time. “But with the explicit rise of Islamophobia and hate offences in our capital, I am calling on the mayor and Met Police to improve the protection of our places of adoration like mosques. Now is the time to make this a focus.”
She contended: “Many Muslims have been left shocked by the scenes that have developed in various cities over the last few days and are extremely anxious that they could be targeted by groups like the EDL. We have noticed screenshots of attempts to collect far-right rallies outside mosques.
“We must now seek to keep all our communities safe from dangerous racist parties such as EDL and those who have been slowly spreading disinformation and inciting this fierce thuggery. Hatred and discrimination must never be allowed to divide our great city.”
How Is the Met Police Planning to Prevent Violence and Hate Crimes?
Reacting to the assembly member’s remarks, a Met Police spokesman expressed that officers “have increased their attention to reassure the public”. He stated: “We have met with leaders from the Muslim neighbourhood and have visited local mosques and religious facilities to provide guidance and listen to concerns, which will persist over the weekend.
“The Met has not been notified of any planned protests or protests similar to what was witnessed on Wednesday, however, it has adequate resources and plans in place to swap with every eventuality. “Everyone has the freedom to peacefully protest, but the Met will not accept individuals who use the guise of protest as a mechanism to inflict violence or provoke racial and religious hatred on members of the public or officers.”