UK Announces £29.4m Security Package for Mosques Amid Rising Violence

IQNA – UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a funding package of £29.4 million (approximately $37.65 million) on Sunday to enhance the security of mosques, following a series of attacks on places of worship during recent riots in England and Northern Ireland.

This decision addresses the growing violence and threats against these religious institutions amid far-right violent protests across the country.

The government says it has introduced a new rapid response process to ensure that mosques facing violent threats can quickly receive additional security personnel.

According to the government, the initiative aims to provide essential support and reassurance to communities while supplementing ongoing efforts by local police forces to safeguard these religious sites.

The new process allows police, local authorities, and mosques to request the rapid deployment of security measures.

"In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme," stated Cooper.

She emphasized that this support would work alongside efforts from local police forces and reiterated the government's strong stance against disorder and violence: "Anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law."

The rioting has been driven by false news reports on social media that the suspect in the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport on Monday was a Muslim asylum seeker.

This was incorrect, with Axel Rudakubana, 17, who was born in Wales to Rwandan immigrant parents who are Christians, charged with three murders and 10 attempted murders.

Proposed Home Office Minister Diana Johnson suggested that courts could operate 24/7 to expedite prosecutions and swiftly bring those causing unrest to justice.

Source: Agencies