Anti-Mosque Protests in Furness Draw Criticism Over Racism Allegations
Anti-Mosque Protests in Furness Draw Criticism Over Racism Allegations
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Protests against the construction of a new mosque in Cumbria’s Furness area have sparked controversy, with local leaders condemning opposition as racist, Iqna reported. The £2.5 million South Lakes Islamic Centre, under construction since January, will be the only Islamic centre within a 50-mile radius, serving local Muslims, including healthcare workers at Furness General Hospital, and visitors.
On Saturday, rival demonstrations took place outside the mosque site. Supporters displayed signs reading “Muslims welcome here,” while opponents waved Union flags and slogans such as “No to the mosque” and “Not racist! Just patriotic!” Critics deny racist motives, but their use of nationalistic symbols has raised concerns about cultural bias.
Michelle Scrogham, Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, joined pro-mosque demonstrators and condemned the opposition’s rhetoric, stating, “There’s absolutely no place for racism in Cumbria” and emphasizing the area’s history of welcoming immigrants.
Paul Jenkins, representing Furness Stand Up To Racism, organized a counter-protest, affirming local support for the mosque and the community’s multicultural values.
Police managed the protests, which remained peaceful with no major incidents reported. This follows similar clashes in the area last month over the mosque project.
