Mosques and Muslim faith centres across the UK will receive an additional £10 million in security funding as another incident in a mosque highlights the threat Muslims face from hate crimes and attacks.
A day after the funding announcement, a viral video showed a man entering a mosque in Peterborough and behaving in a disorderly and abusive manner.
According to Cambridgeshire Police, a 57-year-old man from the city was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated offence and remains in custody.
Footage shared on social media appeared to show the man praising far-right figure Tommy Robinson while verbally abusing worshippers. He was eventually restrained by police with assistance from members of the congregation.
The funding increase follows a recent rise in attacks and hostility towards Muslim places of worship.
It was announced after the Prime Minister visited Peacehaven Mosque in East Sussex, which was targeted in an arson attack on 4 October.
Two men — Ricky Ryder (38) and Jack Slowey (34) — have since been charged with arson with intent to endanger life in connection with that incident.
Extra funding to protect Muslim communities
The new £10 million investment will be used to enhance security measures at mosques and Muslim faith schools, including CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing, and professional security personnel.
This funding builds on the £29.4 million already allocated this year to protect Muslim communities.
According to the latest figures, anti-Muslim hate crimes rose by 19% in the year ending March 2025, with 44% of all recorded religious hate crimes targeting Muslims.
Earlier in the week, three Nazi-loving extremists were sentenced to a combined 29 years in prison after being convicted of planning an act of terrorism on a Leeds mosque.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country. Attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation and our values. This funding will provide Muslim communities with the protection they need and deserve, allowing them to live in peace and safety.
“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.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “The attack on the Peacehaven Mosque was an appalling crime, that could easily have led to an even more devastating outcome.
“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.
“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.”
