A new security framework for mosques has been published by the Muslim Council of Britain, urging places of worship to carry out lockdown drills, improve CCTV coverage, and strengthen ties with local police. The guidance comes in response to what the organisation describes as a rising threat of anti-Muslim attacks, including recent disorder in Northern Ireland.

The MCB, which represents nearly 500 affiliated mosques, has recommended a phased approach to improving safety. Initial steps over three months include appointing a dedicated safety lead, conducting walkthrough security assessments, identifying CCTV blind spots, and establishing clear lockdown and hold-and-secure procedures. Longer-term measures over 12 and 36 months cover emergency response planning, incident reporting systems, and building closer relationships with neighbours, councillors, and other faith groups.

The organisation warned that common vulnerabilities include a lack of named safety officers, weak links to police, uncontrolled access points, and volunteers who are unsure how to act in emergencies. Threat types identified range from graffiti and vandalism to arson attempts, abuse, and suspicious packages.

In Northern Ireland, the guidance has been shaped by experiences during last summer's racist riots in Belfast. An anonymous survey carried out by the MCB following the disorder found widespread fear among Muslim communities. One respondent who lived with her family in accommodation attached to a mosque said she lived in constant anxiety that the building would be attacked at night. Another described young men going door to door searching for homes with foreign residents. A third told how a Muslim woman wearing a hijab was chased on her way to work, escaping only with the help of a passerby.

Survey participants said that daily life had been significantly altered, with many feeling unsafe going to work, shopping, or carrying out normal activities because of racist targeting. Some said support for those affected by hate crime had been limited.

Wajid Akhter, secretary general of the MCB, said communities remained concerned about a repeat of the violence seen in recent summers. He linked the heightened anxiety to dehumanising rhetoric against ethnic minorities and Muslims in public discourse. Akhter also referenced the 2017 Finsbury Park terrorist attack, describing it as a reminder of what happens when Islamophobia goes unchecked.

The council is encouraging imams to use Friday sermons to spread messages of hope and resilience, while urging vigilance as the summer approaches. The guidance, it said, is not just about physical security but about empowering communities to build strong local alliances and prepare effective responses to any incidents.