The UK national threat level on April 30 went up from substantial (meaning an attack is likely), to severe, (an attack is highly likely in the next six months). This came after the April 29 stabbing in Golders Green in the north London borough of Barnet, although the authorities said that the terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time.
The UK was last at ‘severe’ in November 2021, after the attempted bomb attack on Liverpool Womenโs Hospital (which exploded in a taxi outside) and murder of the Essex Conservative MP Sir David Amess in Southend, which was lowered to ‘substantial’ in February 2022.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood meanwhile pointed to a ‘significant increase in investment to protect Jewish communities, and record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres’. She said: “And we will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.ย As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police.ย ย And I can assure everyone thatโฏour world-class security servicesโฏand the police are working day and night to keep our country safe.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held an antisemitism forum at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday, May 5, stating that ‘only by working together can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society’.
Golders Green
On the Golders Green attack, police said that a national coordination group has been set up to lead a policing response across police forces. Chair of the National Police Chiefsโ Council, Surrey Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said that police speak regularly with the Community Security Trust (CST, the charity that trains and runs security at Jewish places of worship, schools and other builings), government and other key agencies.
The Metropolitan Police announced a Community Protection Team of initially 100 extra officers. Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley called it ‘an important step in strengthening our response to the sustained threats Jewish communities are facing. It brings together experienced local officers who know their communities, supported by specialist capabilities, to provide more visible, consistent and intelligenceโled protection.’
Spends
The Government announced ยฃ500,000 over two years to support Barnet Councilโs work on community cohesion. Barnet Council Chief Executive, Cath Shaw, said: โWe welcome the Governmentโs recognition that councils have a vital role to play in bringing communities together, and that this needs investment.ย ย This funding will strengthen our immediate response and help us to support Barnetโs residents effectively, ensuring Barnet remains a model of resilience and unity.โ
Some ยฃ25m was announced last week to go on police patrols, specialist officers, and protective security for Jewish communities; besides ยฃ7m to tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges and universities. Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing and Communities said: “While we know there is more to do, we believe that quickly channelling government funding directly to the communities and places facing the greatest risks today will help local partners to take early, practical action to keep people safe, strengthen communities and stand up to hate.”
The Home Affairs Committee of MPs plans an evidence session on Thursday, May 14 into antisemitism in the UK.
Background
For more about the terrorism threat levels, visit the MI5 website.
