London Mayor Sadiq Khan has reaffirmed the city’s dedication to combating racism, anti-Muslim hate, and anti-Semitism by announcing increased support for security training at mosques throughout the UK capital. This move follows recent incidents of violence and unrest that have heightened fears among minority communities.
The mayor’s commitment includes funding for four additional security training sessions at London mosques as part of a larger initiative to bolster community safety and address hate crimes. This comes in the wake of troubling events earlier this month.
“London demonstrated last week that the capital stands firmly against racism and Islamophobia,” Mayor Khan remarked. “Our goal is to ensure that all Londoners feel secure and supported in their communities. There is no room for hate in our city.”
Khan has been collaborating with the Metropolitan Police, local partners, and community leaders to enhance the safety of London’s diverse populations.
In a supportive move, the government has revived its mosque security scheme to provide quick assistance to buildings at risk of hate crimes. This complements the existing Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, which has allocated up to £29.4 million ($37.7 million) for upgrading security at mosques and Muslim faith schools.
During a visit to Al Manaar, the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre in West London, the mayor met with mosque leaders to offer support and encouragement. The first of the new security training sessions, led by Faith Associates, experts in mosque security, took place at Al Manaar. The session offered practical advice on protecting congregations and facilities, covering topics such as protective security, hate crime, and online safety, with representatives from the Metropolitan Police also present to share their knowledge.
Mayor Khan underscored the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive, stating, “We cannot afford to be complacent. It is essential that we stay united and active in ensuring the safety of our communities, especially during these challenging times.”
