Mosques across the UK are being advised to conduct lockdown drills and enhance security measures under new guidance from the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), which warns of growing Islamophobic incidents and far-right activity.

The framework provides practical advice on emergency response planning, lockdown procedures, incident reporting, and coordination with police and local authorities. It follows a series of recent incidents targeting Muslim communities, including attacks on an imam’s home in Bolton and unrest in Belfast.

The MCB urged its nearly 500 affiliated mosques and community centers to remain vigilant, warning of a possible repeat of the violence seen during recent summers. The guidance recommends appointing safety leads, assessing security risks, improving surveillance, and establishing clear emergency protocols.

Official figures show anti-Muslim hate crimes in England and Wales increased from 2,690 to 3,199 offences in the year ending March 2025. The MCB says common vulnerabilities include weak links with police, poor lighting, uncontrolled access points, and inadequate emergency preparedness.

MCB Secretary General Wajid Akhter said communities remain concerned about rising hostility fueled by anti-Muslim rhetoric, disinformation, and recent episodes of unrest. He emphasized that the new guidance is not only about physical security but also about building strong local partnerships and community resilience.

The framework also encourages mosques to strengthen ties with neighbors, businesses, local officials, and other faith groups to help ensure faster and more effective responses to threats and emergencies.