Places of worship in England and Wales that could face hate crime attacks can apply to the Home Office for a share of a further £1m in funds to go on security measures. Successful applicants will receive up to £56,000 towards security to counter the threat to their premises. Previous funding has been awarded when places of worship have been either victim to, or at risk of, a hate attack, whether graffiti, the defacing of religious symbols or attacks on worshippers.
The Places of Worship Security Funding scheme, which launched in 2016 and is worth £2.4m in total, has helped 89 churches, mosques, temples and gurdwaras to install protective alarms, security lighting and CCTV cameras to deter attackers; everyday guarding is not covered by the scheme. Synagogues are covered under a separate scheme administered by the Community Security Trust (CST) charity.
Home Office Minister for Countering Extremism, Baroness Williams said: “Communities being able to worship their religion free from intimidation, violence or abusive behaviour is a vital principle at the heart of the values we share in this country. This scheme has already helped many places of worship bolster their security and we encourage those who have suffered from or fear hate crime attacks to apply.”
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “We are a country of many faiths, and as I said following last year’s appalling terror attack in Finsbury Park an attack on one community is an attack on all of us. Freedom of worship, respect, and tolerance for those of different faiths is fundamental to our values and I am determined to stamp out extremism and hate crime wherever it occurs. Security at places of worship is important to provide congregations with peace of mind, but let me be clear – where groups or individuals incite hatred or are engaged in vile, religiously motivated criminal activity, they should expect to be prosecuted and face the full force of the law.”
Hate crimes in this instance are defined as any crimes committed against a person because of their real or perceived religion. Places can submit bids until August 10, for projects costing up to £70,000 for protective security measures and will be required to contribute at least 20 percent of the total cost of the project.
Picture by Mark Rowe: St Paul’s Cathedral from One New Change.
