The Muslim Council of Britain has issued new security guidance for mosques, including lockdown drills and enhanced police liaison, due to rising anti-Muslim attacks and hate crimes. The framework aims to prepare places of worship for potential vandalism, intimidation, and targeted hostility.
The guidance aims to protect vulnerable Muslim communities and their places of worship from increasing anti-Muslim hate crimes and targeted hostility, reflecting a rise in religiously motivated offenses and heightened fears of violence.
Mosques across the UK are being advised to implement lockdown drills and enhance their security measures in response to growing concerns about anti-Muslim attacks. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has published a new national guidance framework, offering practical advice on preparedness, emergency response, and strengthening relationships with local police and authorities.
The framework comes amid a rise in recorded hate crimes in England and Wales, including religiously motivated offenses, and follows a series of incidents targeting Muslim communities, such as attacks on homes and recent riots in Belfast. The MCB has warned its nearly 500 affiliated mosques and community centers to remain vigilant, particularly with the approach of summer.
Key recommendations within the guidance include appointing dedicated safety leads, conducting thorough security assessments, improving CCTV coverage, and establishing clear lockdown procedures. It also emphasizes the importance of building stronger ties with local communities, including neighbors, councillors, businesses, and other faith groups, to ensure a more effective response to incidents.
Wajid Akhter, MCB secretary general, expressed concern over the potential for a repeat of past unrest, citing the impact of dehumanizing rhetoric against ethnic minorities and Muslims in public discourse. He noted that an anonymous survey revealed widespread fear among Muslim communities in Northern Ireland following recent disorder, with some respondents expressing constant anxiety about the safety of their homes and places of worship.