By Taufiq Wan

 

LONDON, 24 July. - (ANA) - One mosque is attacked every five days in the UK, according to new figures from the British Muslim Trust (BMT), which has also warned that many places of worship are waiting months for government security funding despite a rise in anti-Muslim attacks.

 

The statistics, released by the BMT - the UK government's appointed partner for monitoring anti-Muslim hatred - recorded more than 70 attacks on mosques over the past year, including violence, intimidation, property damage and hate speech.

 

"We are seeing a steady rise in the number of attacks against mosques, and we believe the Government should be doing everything it can to help mosques protect themselves," BMT chief executive Akeela Ahmed said.

 

Earlier this year, the government announced up to £40 million for protective security measures at mosques, Muslim faith schools and community centres in response to rising anti-Muslim hatred.

 

However, the BMT said many mosques were waiting "months" for funding, while numerous applications had been rejected without explanation.

 

"It is great that this funding and initiative exists, but we need to recognise that the momentum on attacks is building, and we need to react and prepare for this," Ahmed said.

 

The BMT also said mosques faced significant barriers when applying for funding, noting that government guidance warns applications that "do not include strong evidence or do not explain the risk clearly are unlikely to be successful".

 

"Asking for evidence that you're being targeted is the equivalent of shutting the stable door when the horse has bolted. A mosque is vulnerable purely because it's a mosque," Ahmed said.

 

Asked about the findings, the Home Office repeated a statement previously shared with The New Arab when asked earlier this month whether it planned to expand protective measures and funding for mosques.

 

"Muslims in the UK face appalling levels of religious hate crime. It's crucial that they not only are safe but feel safe. This government has increased funding for protective security at mosques, Muslim faith schools and community centres to record levels – up to £40m in 2026-27," the statement said.

 

"We are working to process all applications as quickly as possible," it added.

 

In June, Amnesty International warned that Islamophobic attacks in the UK had reached "emergency levels" and called for urgent government action.

 

According to Home Office data, anti-Muslim hate crimes in England and Wales rose by 19% in the year to the end of March 2025, with almost 4,500 offences recorded — nearly half of all religiously motivated hate crimes.

 

Muslim communities have continued to face attacks since then, including the attempted murder of three Muslim men in Edinburgh in June and an alleged arson attack on Peacehaven Mosque in Sussex in October.  

 

After £250m for Jewish security, UK offers no new funding for Muslim communities - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/24 July 2026 - - -