Press Releases
12th March 2026
South Lakes Islamic Centre Stands Firm Against UKIP Protest
Dalton-in-Furness – The South Lakes Islamic Centre stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Dalton’s residents in rejecting the UKIP-led protest planned for 20 March outside our site. This event, driven by far-right outsiders, seeks to sow division in a community that has always thrived on togetherness.
Our Centre – belongs to all of us. It serves local British Muslims, from doctors and nurses to families raising children here, after years without a nearby mosque. Born from heartfelt neighbourly dialogue and council support, it’s a space for prayer, education, community and interfaith events open to everyone in Cumbria.
These protests are not born from local voices but agitated by external forces chasing national headlines. Their rhetoric echoes past campaigns that bred fear and hate, pitting neighbour against neighbour. We know dialogue heals as protests only deepen rifts.
Dalton is always stronger united as we reject division and invite all residents, leaders, visitors – to join us in conversation, shared events and bridge-building. Our community rejects outside agitators; together, we choose harmony which the South Lakes Islamic Centre represents.
South Lakes Islamic Centre
Notes to Editors: South Lakes Islamic Centre welcomes visitors for prayer, education, community and interfaith activities. Contact: info@slic.uk
14th August 2025
We Won't Let Outsiders Turn Neighbour Against Neighbour
A far-right protest is planned for Saturday, 16th August, to oppose the building of the South Lakes Islamic Centre. We are deeply concerned that these gatherings are being driven by outsiders seeking to use our town as a stage for their agendas
Our community knows better. In Dalton and across the South Lakes, we have long lived side by side, shared in one another’s joys and sorrows, and worked together for the good of all. That trust is precious, and it must not be traded away for someone else’s politics.
We urge everyone to remain calm, act with dignity, and not be drawn into hostility. We reject any attempt to turn neighbour against neighbour.
The South Lakes Islamic Centre exists for the community and within the community. Our work is rooted in building understanding and trust. We urge everyone to speak to one another, to share a cup of tea, to ask questions, and to learn firsthand about those they may not yet know.
Prejudice grows in silence and distance; understanding grows in conversation. The South Lakes is stronger when we talk, listen, and stand together.
The South Lakes Islamic Centre will always stand for unity over division, for dialogue over discord, and for a community that refuses to be a pawn in someone else’s game.
21st July 2025
Dalton Shows Its True Colours: Community Support Outshines Division
This weekend, the people of Dalton quietly but powerfully demonstrated the values that define our town: unity, respect, and a shared sense of belonging.
While a small protest took place against the South Lakes Islamic Centre, what stood out far more was the warmth and solidarity shown by residents, friends, and well-wishers who turned up, spoke out, and stood alongside their Muslim neighbours.
The overwhelming support from those who live here spoke louder than the noise from a handful of outsiders brought in to stir division.
We’re grateful to Cumbria Constabulary, local councillors, and Michelle Scrogham, MP for Barrow and Furness, for making it clear that Dalton will not be dragged into culture wars manufactured far from the Lakes.
The South Lakes Islamic Centre is not a threat to the character of the Lake District, but a reflection of it. It is a place where people from all backgrounds live, work, and thrive together.
In the months ahead, we will continue to roll out initiatives to engage with our neighbours – because our future here is shared, rooted in the South Lakes, and built for the common good.
26th June 2025
A Beacon of Unity Not Division
This past weekend’s protests were conducted peacefully, with balanced representation from both sides expressing their views. We extend our sincere thanks to the local community, the council, and Cumbria Constabulary.
Let’s be clear: the South Lakes Islamic Centre isn’t a threat to the Lake District as hard-right media and politicians want all to believe, but a reflection of a modern, diverse Cumbria where British Muslim communities are part of the social and civic fabric.
The headlines and outrage being stirred up are sadly predictable. It’s fear dressed up as concern, and it does nothing but divide neighbours who otherwise live, work, and build community side by side.
The South Lakes Islamic Centre project is about service, belonging, and meeting the needs of local residents, many of whom have called this area home for decades.
We are focused on building spaces of hope, inclusion, and community resilience, and we will be rolling out initiatives of engagement with our neighbours and friends, as after all, we are a beacon of unity in the South Lakes, rooted in Cumbria for the common good.