LONDON: British mosques have been advised to beef up security measures, including holding lockdown drills, to prepare in case of attacks.
The recommendations in a framework by the Muslim Council of Britain suggest that mosques forge closer ties with local police and improve CCTV around premises amid fears of threats and attacks.
The framework comes in the wake of a series of violent incidents in recent weeks, including riots in Belfast following a knife attack by a migrant on a local man, and a suspected arson attack on the home of an imam in Bolton.
Hate crimes in England and Wales have risen for the first time in three years, according to the Home Office, with incidents up from 2,690 offenses to 3,199 in the 12 months to March 2025.
The MCB said it could be another year of “violence on our streets,” and urged imams across its nearly 500 affiliated mosques and community groups to use Friday sermons to prepare and reassure congregations.
