Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London visits ICC
16 October 2025

Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, the Deputy Mayor of London for Communities and Social Justice, visited the London Central Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre to meet with
Dr Ahmad Al-Dubayan, the Centre's Director General and senior staff, following the recent rise in hate crimes and attacks targeting mosques and other places of worship across the country.
During the meeting, Dr Weekes-Bernard expressed her deep concern about the increase in hate incidents and conveyed a message of reassurance and solidarity to London's Muslim communities. She emphasised that the Mayor's Office takes safeguarding and community safety extremely seriously, working closely with the

Metropolitan Police and local partners to ensure that Muslim's and all faith communities can worship and gather without fear.
The Deputy Mayor stated that racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism thrive by isolating people, and that London's strength lies in its diversity, compassion, and unity. "We must educate, engage, and stand together so that intolerance finds no place in our city," she said.
Dr Ahmad Al-Dubayan welcomed Dr Weekes-Bernard to the Mosque and thanked her for her visit and her support for faith communities. He reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to building a more positive future based on stronger community cohesion, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
"The Islamic Cultural Centre is dedicated to working with all partners - including the Mayor's Office - to ensure London remains a safe, welcoming, and harmonious city for everyone," Dr Ahmad said. He also expressed his hope for closer collaboration on future community and educational initiatives that promote understanding and unity across London's diverse faiths.

