LONDON mayor Sadiq Khanhas announced increased security training for mosques across the capital, aiming to enhance safety and protect communities from hate-driven violence.
He also reaffirmed the city's commitment to unity and tolerance, stressing a strong stance against racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism.
In a statement, the mayor highlighted his ongoing collaboration with the Met and London communities to provide support after recent violence, urging vigilance against complacency.
Khan, said, “I’m proud that Londoners sent a clear message that we are an open and welcoming city that is united against all forms of hate. The peaceful shows of unity on our streets were inspiring and comforting, however the violence and disorder that was seen across the country has left many Londoners afraid. There is no room for complacency. We can never stop being vigilant.
“I continue to work closely with the government, the Met and community leaders to ensure that Londoners feel safe, and are safe, and through this new funding we will provide additional support and information to help mosque leaders during this difficult time. This is on top of the increased funding we’re already providing to places of worship in the capital. I want to thank the Home Office for providing additional funding for protective security for mosques."
Khan with community leaders
The mayor welcomed the reopening of the government's Mosque Security Scheme, which offers immediate security support for buildings at risk of hate crimes. This scheme enhances local police efforts and complements the existing Protective Security for Mosques Scheme. The government has allocated up to £29.4 million to fund security measures at mosques and Muslim faith schools.
Recently, Khan visited Al Manaar, The Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, in west London, to speak with mosque leaders. He also visited the Chelsea FC Foundation, which provides City Hall-funded sessions and online workshops to help young Londoners reject hate and stand up to intolerance.
Faith Associates, experts in mosque security, conducted the first of four new sessions on Wednesday (14) at Al Manaar, offering practical advice on safeguarding congregations and premises. Met representatives also attended.
The sessions will address protective security, hate crime, and online safety, while the Community Resilience Champions programme, in partnership with the London Boroughs Faiths Network, provides additional support for faith leaders.
Shaukat Warraich, managing director at Faith Associates, said, “Faith Associates are experts in mosque security and have delivered capacity building work with mosques around the world. We have a long history of working with the mayor on helping to keep the Muslim community in the capital safe, regularly partnering together since 2019.
"The new support provided to us by MOPAC will allow even more Mosques to receive vital safety and security advice which can be implemented immediately.”
Khan has prioritised a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime, investing a record £14.8m in combating extremism and intolerance. This includes his £3.95m Shared Endeavour Fund, which supports grassroots projects and the Community Alliance To Combat Hate (CATCH) partnership for hate crime victims.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event
Pope Francis greets Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit near Bari, Italy, in June last year, as Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni and then British prime minister Rishi Sunak look on