He announced this decision after visiting the mosque in Peacehaven, which was the target of an arson attack in early October.
During the visit, Starmer said the new funding would help Muslim communities feel safe and free to practice their faith. He emphasized that Great Britain is a proud and tolerant country and that attacks on any community represent attacks on the entire nation and its fundamental values.
No one was injured in the incident on October 4, but the main entrance of the mosque and a vehicle were damaged. Sussex Police confirmed they are treating the case as a hate crime.
The attack on the Peacehaven mosque was horrific.
Britain is a proud and tolerant country. Attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation.
I’ve committed an additional £10 million in funding to provide Muslim communities with the protection they need and deserve. pic.twitter.com/c0j163JXDq
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 23, 2025
According to a statement from the British government, additional funds will be directed to security measures in mosques and Muslim centers, including the installation of video surveillance, alarm systems, protective fences and the employment of security personnel.
– We should not need to secure religious buildings, but, unfortunately, this is the reality we live in – said the Prime Minister to the gathered members of the community.
The announced funding builds on the previously approved €33.7m (£29.4m) already available this year for mosques and Muslim religious schools, the British government said in a statement.
There have been a number of attacks on mosques across the UK in recent months. During last year’s riots, places of worship in Southport, Hull and Sunderland were targeted by vandals, causing serious concern and damage within local communities.
According to the latest statistics, the number of hate crimes directed against Muslims has increased by 19 percent, while almost half of all religiously motivated incidents (44 percent) affect Muslim communities.
– Britain is a country of pride and tolerance. Attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation and the values that make it strong. This additional funding will provide Muslim communities with the protection they deserve, so they can live in peace and security – said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
He added that he wanted a “Britain built for all”, stressing that his government was committed to creating safer streets for every citizen. – This means protecting religious buildings from those who try to sow division, hatred and violence – concluded Starmer.
(Vijesti.ba)
