The government is planning to impose new rules on mosques and madrassahs which would subject them to inspections and would oblige them to report suspected terrorist activities.

The plans, which would see counter-terror officers involved in the running of mosques for the first time, come under the new Protect Duty which the government says is intended to protect public places – including mosques – from attacks. Within the scope of the proposed Protect Duty, the owners and operators of public venues and large organizations would be required to use information provided by the government (including the police) to consider terrorist threats to the public and staff.

An inspection would be introduced to ensure that the Protect Duty is being implemented, and if guidance and support is not considered enforcement actions could be taken. The government has held a consultation on the proposals which ended in July and they say they have received over a 1,200 responses.

The government is partnering with Faith Associates through its Mosque Security Project to implement the scheme. At the moment there is no date for legislation to be introduced.

Source: 5Pillars