Government urged to fund security for worshippers

A SENIOR British Muslim has said the Government needs to fund better protection for mosques, to reassure terrified worshippers.

It comes after security minister Ben Wallace said an outrage such as the Christchurch massacre “absolutely could happen” in the UK.

Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, warned mosques outside major cities were at most risk.

With many operating an open-door policy, seven days a week, he said a far-right extremist could easily enter with a gun.

Asked if the threat level had increased, Mr Khan said: “Wherever I go you hear from Muslims a real worry about safety and security.

“It’s so sad, but we need to increase vigilance at mosques. We need the Government to provide support.” Mr Khan added: “What happened in New Zealand was absolutely horrific. “In Christchurch, when the shooter approached, the first person to greet him said, ‘Hello brother’. This guy was walking up to him with a machine gun, yet he did not look at that. “Then he was shot three times. That’s the open approach Muslims have.” Home Secretary Sajid Javid heard calls for action at a solidarity event at London Central Mosque, in Marylebone, yesterday. Communities Secretary James Brokenshire, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and London Mayor Sadiq Khan were there. The Most Rev Welby said: “For Muslims under threat, we will be with you. And, if we have not, I am so sorry.” Harun Khan