Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to tackle islamophobia.

Islamophobia, and all forms of religious and racial hatred, have absolutely no place in our society. No one should be targeted because of the colour of their skin, or their faith. This Government is clear that perpetrators of such hate crimes will face the full force of the law.

Sadly, we have seen how Muslim communities and other minorities have been targeted in the deplorable acts of violence following the recent tragic events in Southport. This Government will make sure that criminals intent on causing violence and unrest on our streets will be stopped in their tracks and brought to justice thanks to the new National Violent Disorder Programme. We are also providing rapid additional support to mosques through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme to protect Muslim communities, which comes on top of the £29.4 million already made available to fund security at mosques and Muslim faith schools this year.

British Muslims are a crucial part of Britain’s history and British life today. This Government will not tolerate Islamophobia in any form and has committed to a more cohesive and integrated approach to ensure that all forms of hatred are stamped out of our communities.