Government doubles security fund for religious buildings after Christchurch attack
The government announces new security measures following the killing of 50 people at a mosque in New Zealand.
Wednesday 20 March 2019 09:05, UK
The government has doubled the amount of money available to provide security infrastructure at places of worship following the Christchurch mosque attack.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid has boosted funding to £1.6m for the purchase of security measures such as fencing, lighting and CCTV.
The money is provided through the Places of Worship Protective Security Fund, established in 2016, and is double the amount awarded last year.
So far, more than a third of grants under the scheme have been awarded to mosques.
In addition, a new three-year £5m fund will be opened to provide security training at religious buildings.
An terror attack on the al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, saw 50 people killed last Friday.
Mr Javid said: "The horrific events in New Zealand are a direct attack on the values of tolerance and freedom of worship that unite us all.
"Nobody should ever fear persecution of their faith and it's vital we stand together to reject those who seek to spread hatred and divide us.
"I know many Muslim communities are feeling vulnerable and anxious. But they should seek comfort from knowing we are doing everything to tackle hate and extremism.
"That's why we are doubling next year's places of worship fund - providing physical protection as well as peace of mind."
The government is also to open a consultation with organisations such as the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group, Tell MAMA and the Independent Advisory Group to discuss how to increase the protection of faith communities.
A spokesperson for the Muslim Council of Britain, who have called for a funding boost, said: "The increase in the Places of Worship fund, the simplified bidding process and the investment in non-physical security support, are all welcome first steps, in particular given the heightened concerns following the terrorist incidents targeting Muslims in New Zealand and at a smaller level, here in the UK.
"However, British Muslim communities may still question why the funding is not proportionate to the risks they face, given the Home Office's own figures last year showing that over half of religious hate crime is targeted at Muslims.
"We hope the consultation with faith representatives will be inclusive of all organisations investing efforts to ensure British Muslims are safe in the UK."