Lib Dems call for London’s mosques to receive protection in light of national unrest

By Noah Vickers, Local Democracy Reporter

More police protection is needed at mosques across the capital, the London Liberal Democrats have warned.

Hina Bokhari, who leads the party on the London Assembly, said the “unacceptable” spread of hate crimes by the far right, following the murder of three young girls in Southport on Monday of last week, has left many Muslims “extremely worried that they could be targeted”.

The Met said it had “met with leaders from the Muslim community” and is prepared for “every eventuality”.

Since the attack in Southport, a number of violent protests have broken out over the course of the week in towns and cities across the UK – with attacks on mosques in Southport and Hartlepool, fuelled by unfounded online rumours that the suspect was Muslim.

On Wednesday of last week, more than 100 people were arrested at a demonstration outside Downing Street.

Ms Bokhari said: “The community in Southport have been grieving and yet they have also had to respond to terrible riots, violent crime and racist attacks on their local mosque from extremists.

“We have now seen this violence spread on to the streets of London, with our police force being attacked. This is unacceptable.

“I am glad that the Prime Minister and other leading politicians have strongly called this out. I’d also like to thank the police for their efforts so far to keep communities safe at this time.

“But with the explicit rise of Islamophobia and hate crime in our capital, I am calling on the mayor and Met Police to increase the protection of our places of worship like mosques. Now is the time to make this a priority.”

She added: “Many Muslims have been left shaken by the scenes that have unfolded in various cities over the last few days and are extremely worried that they could be targeted by groups like the EDL. We have seen screenshots of attempts to organise far-right rallies outside mosques.”

Responding to the assembly member’s remarks, a Met spokesman said that officers “have increased their engagement to reassure the public”.

He said: “We have met with leaders from the Muslim community and have visited local mosques and religious buildings to provide advice and listen to concerns, which will continue over the weekend.

“The Met has not been informed of any planned protests or demonstrations similar to what was witnessed on Wednesday, however it has sufficient resources and plans in place to deal with every eventuality.

“Everyone has a right to peacefully protest, but the Met will not tolerate individuals who use the guise of protest as a means to inflict violence or incite racial and religious hatred on members of the public or officers.”

A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: “Islamophobia, racism and all hate crime has no place whatsoever in society. No one should have to feel scared or vulnerable because of the community they belong to.

“The scenes of violent disorder and criminality witnessed this week have no place on our streets and the mayor fully supports the Met Police taking action against those intent on violence and spreading division in our city.”

Pictured top: Hina Bokhari (Picture: London Assembly)