Khan pledges £875k to fight extremism amid hate crime rise
New funding to support grassroots groups and prevent radicalisation follows increases in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents.
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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced on 23 July 2026 a further £875,000 to combat extremism in the capital. The funding is intended to support initiatives addressing a rise in antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Rising Hate Crime Figures
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In the first six months of 2026, 994 antisemitic hate crimes were recorded in London. This represents a 24 per cent increase from the 800 incidents reported during the same period in 2025. Reports of anti-Muslim hate and prejudice have also risen significantly, with 1,031 incidents recorded in the first half of 2026, already surpassing the 1,028 recorded across the entirety of 2023.
These figures follow a series of incidents targeting Jewish and Muslim communities, including arson attacks on charities and ambulance services, vandalism at synagogues, and stabbings in Golders Green. Nine attacks on mosques were reported in the past year, alongside instances of abuse against women wearing hijabs and anti-Muslim graffiti.
Funding for Community Initiatives
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The new £875,000 commitment will fund grassroots groups across London's 32 boroughs. These groups will deliver workshops and training in schools and communities. The funding will also support organisations focused on preventing radicalisation, helping young people identify and challenge extremist online content, and protecting vulnerable young Londoners.
Mayor Khan stated that programmes like his Shared Endeavour Fund strengthen communities against extremism, safeguard those vulnerable to radicalisation, and promote mutual respect. Since 2016, Khan has invested a total of £17 million in initiatives aimed at tackling hate crime.
Concern Over Youth Radicalisation
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing in London, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of children in counter-terrorism casework. She noted that online platforms and new technologies provide extremists with avenues to influence vulnerable young people. Flanagan emphasised the need for a coordinated effort involving schools, local authorities, government, families, and community organisations to identify risks early and provide support.
Flanagan stated that partnerships are vital for safeguarding communities and protecting the public from terrorism. She highlighted that by working together and investing in prevention, children and young people can be made safer online and more resilient to extremist influences.
Questions this report answers
+How much new funding is being provided to tackle extremism?
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced an additional £875,000 to combat extremism. This funding will support grassroots organisations across London's boroughs in delivering workshops and training, and will also aid efforts to prevent radicalisation and protect vulnerable young people.
+What has been the trend in hate crimes in London?
In the first half of 2026, antisemitic hate crimes increased by 24% compared to the same period in 2025, with 994 incidents recorded. Reports of anti-Muslim hate and prejudice are running at roughly twice the rate seen in 2023, with 1,031 reports in the first six months of 2026.
+What is the concern regarding young people and extremism?
Commander Helen Flanagan of counter-terrorism policing has stated that record numbers of children are becoming involved in casework. She highlighted that online platforms offer extremists new opportunities to reach and influence vulnerable young people, necessitating a coordinated prevention effort.
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