Mayor funds training to keep London's mosques safe

Many people have raised fears over their safety since rioting and Islamophobic attacks across the UK this month

The Mayor of London has announced funding for mosques across the capital to receive security training sessions.

Sadiq Khan said the city was “united against all forms of hate”, as he pledged £10,000 to help protect Muslims against Islamophobic attacks.

The extra support comes as people shared their safety fears following the recent racist riots and disorder across the country.

City Hall said the mayoral funding will be used to provide the sessions on protective security, safety processes and online safety.

The Mayor said he wanted to provide reassurance to those who had become concerned

Mr Khan had been urged earlier this month to ensure places of worship had extra security.

Hina Bokhari, the London Assembly’s Liberal Democrat group leader, said many Muslims had become “extremely worried” by the “unacceptable” spread of hate crimes.

Tell MAMA, the organisation working to tackle anti-Muslim hatred, told Reuters that it had received more than 500 calls and online reports of Islamophobic incidents from across the UK since the start of the disorder two weeks ago.

The mayor said: “I’m proud that last week Londoners sent a clear message that we are an open and welcoming city that is united against all forms of hate."

The mayor visited the first of the sessions at Al Manaar, the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre in west London

He praised the "peaceful shows of unity on our streets", which he said were "inspiring and comforting".

"However, the violence and disorder that was seen across the country has left many Londoners afraid," added Mr Khan.

"There is no room for complacency. We can never stop being vigilant."

He said he was working "closely" with the government, the Metropolitan Police and community leaders "to ensure that Londoners feel safe, and are safe".

The Home Office has also provided additional funding for protective security for mosques, he added.