The number of attacks on Islamic institutions has continued to rise, despite relatively poor showings by English Defence League and the British National Party for their demonstrations on Saturday 1 June and Saturday 8 June.
An Islamic community centre in Muswell Hill, north London, was badly damaged in a fire which is being treated as an arson attack. Although EDL leader Tommy Robinson has distanced himself from the attack, the letters “EDL” were found spray painted at the scene. The fire needed six engines and 35 firefighters to bring it under control.
At the Darul Uloom Islamic boarding school in Bromley, south east London, two students were treated for smoke inhalation following an arson attack which damaged 10% of the building. 128 staff and students were inside the school when it was set alight. The school now has 24/7 police protection.
In the week 22-29 May, following the Woolwich murder, there were 201 attacks on Muslims reported to the Muslim interfaith group Faith Matters (compared to 642 in the entirety of the previous year). By 5 June, Faith Matters were reporting that the figure had risen to 222 — a slower acceleration, but still a worrying trend.
Local labour movement bodies — trade union branches and Trades Councils — must discuss how to defend, alongside community activists, mosques and other Muslim centres in our communities against racist attack.