Home Office Minister, James Brokenshire MP, visited the site of the Al-Rahma Islamic Centre which was destroyed by fire on Wednesday this week.
The Minister was accompanied by local Barnet MPs Mike Freer and Theresa Villiers. The community centre in Muswell Hill was used mainly by the local Somali community. A Police investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Graffiti reading EDL was found on the building, and part of the Police investigation will look at potential connection between the graffiti and the fire. Following the site visit, the Minister and local MPs held a meeting with Muslim community leaders at the Islamic Association North London mosque in North Finchley.
Speaking after the mosque meeting, Mike Freer MP said “The Minister emphasised to community leaders that the Government takes hate crime extremely seriously, and that any attempt to divide communities on religious grounds is deplored. I know the Government are monitoring anti-Muslim extremists, and will not hesitate to prosecute those who cross the line and incite. I will do what I can to reassure the Muslim community in Finchley & Golders Green that the Government will not accept Islamophobia in any form.”
Theresa Villiers, who represents the area in which the Al-Rahma Islamic Centre formerly stood said, “It has been a pleasure to meet Muslim community leaders today and I am grateful to the Minister for attending this visit with us. Our Borough Commander Adrian Usher and his team are doing good work reassuring the multi faith communities across Barnet.
Barnet is proud of its diverse multi-faith community. I was touched to learn that Abubakar Ali and others from the centre have been overwhelmed by offers of help. It is also welcome news that Barnet Council plan to rebuild the centre. It only goes to show that whoever was behind this abhorrent act failed in their aim of fostering division and hostility.”
Home Office Minister James Brokenshire MP said, “My thoughts are with the community at this time. The Police investigations are ongoing and it is important that we allow them to run their course.”