Sir Keir Starmer has opened an antisemitism summit at Downing Street by acknowledging that Jewish communities in the UK are questioning their safety. The Prime Minister invited leaders from various sectors to No. 10 for discussions on curbing anti-Jewish hatred, following a series of high-profile incidents including the Heaton Park synagogue attack in October and the stabbings in Golders Green last week.
This morning, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that counter-terror officers are investigating a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in Whitechapel. Starmer told attendees: 'These disgusting attacks are being made against British Jews. But, make no mistake, this crisis – it is a crisis for all of us. It is a test of our values, values that aren’t guaranteed but are earned every day through our actions.'
He emphasized that mere statements of support are insufficient: 'It is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities. Of course we do, but we have to show with action.' The PM revealed that police are investigating whether a foreign state bears responsibility for some attacks, warning that 'these actions will have consequences if that proves to be the case.'
An Iran-linked terror group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), has claimed responsibility for the Golders Green attack, though investigators believe it was likely opportunistic. Starmer stated: 'Our message to Iran, or to any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society, is that it will not be tolerated. That is why we are fast tracking legislation to tackle these malign threats.'
Ministers are expected to introduce laws enabling the proscription of state threats such as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, making support for such organizations a criminal offence. These changes will be outlined in the King’s Speech on May 13. Additionally, universities will be required to publish reports on antisemitism on their campuses and their efforts to combat it. Cultural venues could lose Arts Council funding if public money is used to promote or platform antisemitism.
Anti-Jewish hate has become a key issue ahead of this Thursday’s English local elections, coinciding with national elections in Scotland and Wales. Labour posted a political advert highlighting antisemitic comments allegedly made by Green Party candidates. Green leader Zack Polanski told the BBC he does not believe his party has a particular problem compared to wider society, but acknowledged the need for better vetting processes.
