- The Conservative Government is providing £3.2 million to improve security at places of worship at risk from hate crime attacks
- Local MP Kate Griffiths is calling on places of worship in Burton and Uttoxeter to apply and get in contact with her if they have concerns about security
Local Burton and Uttoxeter MP Kate Griffiths is calling on places of worship in the local community to apply for the Government’s £3.2 million Places of Worship Protective Security Fund.
The fund, which was established in 2016, is now open for the latest round of applications. It helps place of worship such as churches, mosques, gurdwaras, temples and associated faith community centres with funding to improve physical security. This can include more secure gates, locks, alarms and CCTV in order to deter and prevent hate crime attacks.
The fund was simplified and expanded following the terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, last year, with the total funding doubled to £3.2 million. Since its introduction more than 180 grants have been awarded helping 76 churches, 75 mosques, 23 gurdwaras and nine Hindu temples.
Places of worship have been closed in order to protect public health from COVID-19, although they are now able to admit people for individual prayer.
Commenting, Kate Griffiths MP said:
“Everybody in Burton and Uttoxeter has the right to worship without fear of attack or hateful discrimination.
“If any place of worship in our community feels at risk from hate crimes or attack, I would urge them to get in contact with me about their concerns but also to apply for this important funding to improve security measures.
“I want to thank all local faith leaders for all they have done to support the local community throughout the coronavirus outbreak. The ongoing pandemic has reminded us all of the importance of faith to so many people, and this Conservative Government is determined to keep our places of worship, which give so much back to our community, safe.”
Also commenting, Minister for Countering Extremism Baroness Williams said:
“During this global pandemic, personal faith has been a source of comfort and strength for many.
“I would urge all places of worship who feel they are vulnerable to hate crime to apply for the fund, and as a government we will do all we can to make your congregations feel safe and protected.”
