Mosques across the UK are being targeted at an alarming rate, with one attack recorded every five days over the past year, according to new figures released by the British Muslim Trust, the government’s partner for monitoring anti-Muslim hatred.
The organisation documented more than 70 attacks on mosques over the last 12 months, ranging from intimidation, harassment and vandalism to physical violence, property damage, anti-Muslim hate speech and online abuse. It warned that attacks are becoming increasingly frequent and called on the government to take urgent action to improve protection for places of worship.
London recorded the highest number of incidents, followed by Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Nine mosque attacks were reported in London alone, while one mosque in Birmingham was targeted three times within the past year.
The figures come as Home Office data shows anti-Muslim hate crime in England and Wales increased by 19% in the year to March 2025.
Akeela Ahmed, Chief Executive of the British Muslim Trust, said the steady rise in attacks highlights the need for stronger support to help mosques improve security.
Earlier this year, the government announced up to £40 million in funding through its Protective Security for Mosques Scheme. The programme allows mosques to apply for financial support to install security measures such as CCTV systems, alarms, fencing and other protective services.
However, Home Office guidance states that applicants must provide strong evidence that they have experienced hate crime or face a credible threat. Applications lacking sufficient evidence are unlikely to be approved.
Ahmed has previously urged ministers to remove these requirements, arguing that they create unnecessary barriers for vulnerable communities seeking protection.
According to the British Muslim Trust, many mosques have struggled to access the funding, with some waiting as long as 18 months for approval. The organisation also reported that some applications had been rejected without clear explanations.
Ahmed said mosques should not have to prove they are at risk simply because they are places of worship.
She added that many communities continue to live in fear while waiting for security funding, with some reporting that lower-level incidents receive little or no police response.
While welcoming the existence of the scheme, Ahmed said the application process should be streamlined and funding delivery accelerated, including devolving the programme to speed up support where it is most urgently needed.
The warning follows a separate study published last month by the British Muslim Trust and British Future, which found that one in six people in Britain believe the growth of the Muslim population poses a threat to UK culture, raising concerns that hostile attitudes towards Muslims are becoming more widespread.
A Home Office spokesperson said Muslims continue to face unacceptable levels of religious hate crime and stressed that communities must not only be safe but also feel safe.
The spokesperson added that government funding for protective security at mosques, Muslim faith schools and community centres has been increased to a record £40 million for 2026–27, with efforts continuing to process applications as quickly as possible.
