Government doubles security fund for religious buildings after Christchurch attack
Written by News on 19/03/2019
The government has doubled the amount of money available to provide security infrastructure at places of worship following the Christchurch mosque attack.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid has boosted funding to £1.6m for the purchase of security measures such as fencing, lighting and CCTV.
The money is provided through the Places of Worship Protective Security Fund, established in 2016, and is double the amount awarded last year.
So far, more than a third of grants under the scheme have been awarded to mosques.
In addition, a new three-year £5m fund will be opened to provide security training at religious buildings.
An terror attack on the al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, saw 50 people killed last Friday.
Mr Javid said: “The horrific events in New Zealand are a direct attack on the values of tolerance and freedom of worship that unite us all.
“Nobody should ever fear persecution of their faith and it’s vital we stand together to reject those who seek to spread hatred and divide us.
“I know many Muslim communities are feeling vulnerable and anxious. But they should seek comfort from knowing we are doing everything to tackle hate and extremism.
“That’s why we are doubling next year’s places of worship fund – providing physical protection as well as peace of mind.”
The government is also to open a consultation with organisations such as the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group, Tell MAMA and the Independent Advisory Group to discuss how to increase the protection of faith communities.
(c) Sky News 2019: Government doubles security fund for religious buildings after Christchurch attack
