UK adds funds to protect Muslim communities

The United Kingdom will invest an additional 117 million pounds ($150 million) in safeguarding Muslim communities as incidents of online attacks, physical assaults, and other forms of targeting surge.

The allocation of the funding, announced on Monday as the holy month of Ramadan began, underscores the government's commitment to enhancing security measures in Muslim faith schools and institutions, in response to an increase in hate crimes following the onset of the conflict in Gaza in October.

"Anti-Muslim hatred has absolutely no place in our society. We will not let events in the Middle East be used as an excuse to justify abuse against British Muslims," Home Secretary James Cleverly said in a statement.

The government recently condemned the uptick in documented instances of anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiments, and said it expects thorough investigations by the police to ensure the perpetrators of hate crimes are held accountable.

"The prime minister has made clear that we stand with Muslims in the UK," Cleverly continued. "That is exactly why we have committed to this funding, giving reassurance and confidence to UK Muslims at a time when it is crucially needed."

Last month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlined a parallel funding package of 70 million pounds for Jewish communities, which will increase security at a range of locations across the country, including schools, synagogues, and other facilities.

A government statement added that Monday's announcement marks a package of longer-term support to provide reassurance that "anti-Muslim abuse, threats, or harassment or any form of hate crime will not be tolerated".

The larger scale of the funding package allocated for Muslim communities compared to that for Jewish facilities reflects the greater need, due to the larger Muslim population and the higher number of sites requiring security coverage, reported the BBC.

British Muslims make up 14 times more of England and Wales' population than British Jews.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said: "This funding demonstrates that this government stands firmly against hate crimes, abuse, threats, or harassment against British Muslims.

"We continue to work closely with policing and community partners to ensure the safety and security of British Muslims."

MAMA, a group dedicated to monitoring Islamophobic incidents in the UK, said there was a 335 percent increase in online attacks, physical assaults, and other forms of targeting last month compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.

Sunak has recently been criticized for not condemning inflammatory rhetoric from members of the ruling Conservative Party. His government is set to introduce a fresh official definition of extremism aimed at preventing organizations that advocate unacceptable views from receiving governmental funding or backing.

jonathan@mail.chinadailyuk.com