Khan pledges £875k to combat extremism amid hate crime rise

Sadiq Khan has announced £875,000 in new funding to combat extremism across London. This initiative aims to address a notable increase in antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes within the capital. The funding will be distributed to grassroots organisations throughout London's 32 boroughs to deliver workshops and training.

Rising Hate Crimes in the Capital

Official figures show a significant rise in hate crimes. In the first half of 2026, 994 antisemitic hate crimes were recorded, marking a 24 per cent increase from the 800 incidents reported during the same period in 2025. Reports of anti-Muslim hate and prejudice are currently occurring at approximately twice the frequency observed in 2023. By mid-2026, 1,031 reports of anti-Muslim hate had already surpassed the total of 1,028 recorded for the entirety of 2023.

These figures emerge against a backdrop of targeted attacks. In May 2026, Jewish communities experienced several violent incidents, including arson at community charities and the Hatzola ambulance service, vandalism of synagogues, and stabbings in Golders Green. Over the past year, nine separate attacks on mosques have been reported, alongside incidents of women being verbally abused for wearing hijabs and instances of anti-Muslim graffiti.

Addressing Radicalisation Threats

Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads counter-terrorism policing in London, described the scale of radicalisation threats facing children and young people as "deeply concerning". She noted that record numbers of children are appearing in casework, with online platforms and new technologies offering extremists fresh avenues to influence vulnerable individuals. Commander Flanagan stressed that safeguarding young people from radicalisation requires a coordinated effort involving schools, local authorities, government, families, community organisations, and the charity sector.

The new funding, part of Mayor Khan's broader strategy, will support organisations working to prevent radicalisation. It will also assist efforts to help young people identify and challenge extremist content online, and to protect those deemed vulnerable to radicalisation. Since 2016, Mr Khan has invested £17 million in initiatives aimed at combating hate crime.

Mayor Khan stated, "There’s absolutely no place for hate crime in our capital and I’m committed to working with partners to help tackle this scourge." He added that programmes like his Shared Endeavour Fund strengthen communities against extremism, safeguard those vulnerable to radicalisation, and promote mutual respect. He emphasised that Londoners remain united against acts of hatred.