Religious hate crimes in England and Wales have smashed records in 2025, sparking a massive £73.4 million government blitz to shield places of worship of all faiths in 2026-2027.
Muslims and Jews Bear the Brunt
Alarming stats reveal Muslims faced a staggering 45% of all religious hate attacks last year. Jewish communities suffered too, with antisemitic incidents hitting their second-highest level ever, warns the Community Security Trust (CST).
“We are ensuring record funding to protect faith communities all across the UK,” declared Chancellor Rachel Reeves. “This goes further than cameras and alarms, it’s about restoring peace of mind and sending a message: religious persecution has no place in Britain.”
Huge Cash Splash for Mosques, Synagogues & More
- £40 million earmarked for the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme. It supports mosques, Muslim schools, and community hubs. Applications are open now via the Home Office.
- £28.4 million assigned to the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant, managed by CST, helping synagogues, Jewish schools, and centres. This fund runs independently from the mosque scheme.
- £5 million set aside for the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme, covering Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other faith sites — a £1.5 million rise on last year. Applications open later in 2026.
Government and Police Crank Up Security Measures
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed: “Nobody should be forced to live a smaller life in this country because of their faith.” The cash will ramp up protection at places of worship, schools, and community centres with better CCTV, perimeter fences, intruder alarms, floodlights, and on-site security staff.
Police have boosted patrols in vulnerable hotspots and gained fresh powers to crack down on relentless intimidating protests. Following a £10 million surge in 2025, this latest funding keeps security efforts at an all-time high.
