The UK is implementing new measures to enhance the security of mosques across the country in response to the ongoing anti-immigration riots that have shaken the country since Saturday.
Mosques that “face a risk of violent disturbances” will be able to benefit from rapid response measures, said on Sunday the Home Office, the ministerial department responsible for immigration, security, law and order.
The police, local authorities, and mosques can request a swift security deployment to protect communities, the Home Office explained in a statement.
The news comes at a time when several British cities are witnessing major protests that have turned into violent riots.
The violent demonstrations erupted following a knife attack that claimed the lives of three young girls last Monday in Southport, in the northwest of England. According to media reports, the attack was allegedly committed by an asylum seeker.
Instigated by individuals affiliated with the far-right, the riots resulted in the arrest of 150 suspects.
The British government has strongly condemned the riots, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer denouncing “far-right brutality.”
“As a nation, we will not tolerate criminal behavior, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for,” said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Meanwhile, representatives of the country’s major religions called on Sunday for a rejection of the hate speech and divisive rhetoric propagated during the riots.
People have tried to use the Southport tragedy to “sow division and hatred,” said the religious leaders in a joint statement.
“Division can destroy the relationships and environment we rely on every day, and there is no place for hate in our communities,” they said.