Mosques and Muslim faith centres in Salford are expected to benefit from a new £10 million government fund aimed at protecting worshippers from hate crime and attacks.
The funding, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last week, will provide vital security measures, including CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing and security personnel, to help protect Muslim communities across the UK.
It follows a rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes and several recent attacks on mosques, including an arson attack on Peacehaven Mosque in East Sussex earlier this month
The government said the newly announced funding for mosques and Muslim faith centres will be used to install security measures such as CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing and on-site security staff.
Prime Minister 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.”
CEO, British Muslim Trust, Akeela Ahmed said: “Freedom of religious belief and practice is a cornerstone of British values. Everyone deserves to live their life peacefully and without the threat of fear and intimidation simply for being who they are.
“Sadly, this is not the case for too many members of our Muslim communities. They have become fearful and apprehensive as their Mosques, places dedicated to faith, love and peace, have been vandalised, set on fire and worshippers abused and assaulted.
“We welcome the announcement of this funding which will play a key role in helping members of Britain’s Muslim communities feel the safety and reassurance they need and deserve.”
Recent figures from Greater Manchester Police show that reports of religiously motivated hate crime have increased across the region in the past year, reflecting national trends.
According to the Home Office, anti-Muslim hate crimes rose by 19% in the year ending March 2025, with Muslims accounting for 44% of all victims of religious hate crime
The national funding for mosques will mean safer environment for minority communities across Salford.
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