UK Prime Minister Condemns Arson Attack on Peacehaven Mosque

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned a suspected arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, a coastal town in England, which police are investigating as a hate crime. The incident occurred on Saturday night and thankfully resulted in no injuries. This attack follows closely on the heels of a deadly stabbing at a synagogue in Manchester, where two men were killed during a terrorist assault on the holiest day of the Jewish year.

Emergency services responded to reports of the fire at the Peacehaven Mosque around 21:45 (2245 GMT) on Saturday. According to Sussex Police, the front entrance of the mosque and a vehicle parked outside were damaged by the blaze. Footage released by police shows two individuals, clad in balaclavas, approaching the mosque’s entrance, spraying accelerant, and igniting the fire. Detective Inspector Gavin Patch confirmed that police are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life, stating that evidence from the scene indicated it was deliberately set.

Community Leaders Respond

Starmer’s spokesperson expressed that the Prime Minister was “appalled by the arson attack in Peacehaven,” further emphasizing that “attacks against Britain’s Muslims are attacks against all Britons and this country itself.” The spokesperson reiterated that “anti-Muslim hatred has no place in Britain.” In alignment with this sentiment, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the incident as “deeply concerning” and urged the community to “stand united.”

A spokesperson for the Peacehaven mosque stated, “This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect, and mutual support, and we will continue to embody those values.”

In a broader context, the attack comes during heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has prompted regular pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the UK. While these protests have largely remained peaceful, there are growing concerns regarding rising antisemitism. Some Jewish community members report feeling threatened by slogans at protests, such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Increased Security Measures

Following the arson incident, Sussex Police have increased their presence at places of worship across the region to provide reassurance to the community. Detectives are currently searching for the two suspects involved in the mosque attack. Detective Inspector Patch remarked, “This was an appalling and reckless attack which we know will have left many people feeling less safe.”

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, condemned the arson, asserting that “every faith community has the right to worship free from fear.”

On Sunday, a rally took place in Trafalgar Square, where approximately 1,000 people protested the banning of Palestine Action, a group known for direct action against military links to Israel. Conversely, the following day saw hundreds of individuals waving Israeli and British flags in London and Manchester, marking nearly two years since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. These gatherings reflect the complex landscape of sentiment and solidarity in response to the current geopolitical climate.

The Peacehaven community, alongside political and religious leaders, continues to advocate for unity and resilience in the face of such attacks, reaffirming their commitment to fostering an environment of respect and understanding.