With upcoming celebrations like Ramadan (5 May- 4 June) and ongoing Passover (till 27 April), religious institutions are urged to register their interest for the latest round of the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme and submit applications from July 2019, the Home Office has announced.
The Government said that they recognise that Muslim communities remain anxious following the horrendous attacks in New Zealand, and particularly in advance of Ramadan. This will also include operational policing plans for the Ramadan period. In addition the Home Office promises to support Faith Associates, an organisation which will provide security training and advice to Muslim places of worship in preparation for the Islamic holy month.
The increased investment and planned improvements to the scheme were originally announced in the wake of the horrific Christchurch mosque attacks which claimed the lives of 50 people.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid told Asian Voice, “In the coming days and weeks, millions of people from different faiths will be marking religious festivals up and down the UK.
“At this time of reflection, devotion and celebration, it’s vital everyone feels safe and protected in the places of worship they attend.
“That’s why we’ve invested another £1.6 million into our Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme and are encouraging religious organisations to apply.”
Minister for Counter Extremism Baroness Williams said, “No one should be abused or attacked, because of their faith. The Government is committed to not only pursuing perpetrators of these horrendous crimes but also protecting victims.
“The Hate Crime Action Plan, refreshed in 2018, commits to providing the Places of Worship scheme, as well as funding community-led projects to tackle hate crime and increase reporting of these crimes.”
Jasvir Singh OBE in a tweet said, “Many Gurdwaras and other places of worship have received funding for CCTV, fencing and other measures through this. Please consider applying for it when it opens.”
Akeela Gheewalla Ahmed, Chair of the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group (AMHWG) said, “I welcome the improvements to the Places of Worship fund and the initiative to help mosques to take steps to improve their security during Ramadan. The AMHWG look forward to continuing to work with the Home Office to reduce the vulnerabilities of places of worship, so that people are free to practice their faith without fear of attack.”
Inception and grants
Since its inception in 2016, the Places of Worship scheme has awarded over £1.5 million through 134 grants to places of worship from all major religions for additional protection and security measures.
The fourth year of the scheme will not only provide up to £1.6 million of funding but will also be easier than ever to apply for. This will provide security training and advice through twelve safety and security workshops across England and Wales, as well as guidance and leaflets circulated to mosques, community centres and madrassas, to protect places of worship from hate crime attacks.
