Thousands attend protest against antisemitism outside Downing Street
A number of senior politicians joined thousands of people gathering outside Downing Street to protest antisemitism.
Organizers of the rally called on British people to “confront the extremists” following a series of arson attacks on Jewish settlements in London, as well as a double stabbing in Golders Green that was treated as an act of terrorism.
Politicians from various political parties took to the stage to speak at the rally in London, where they were met with a mixed reception.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch was greeted with thunderous applause and chants, while cabinet minister Pat McFadden was jeered and booed as she spoke on stage.
Chief rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, who also spoke at the event, told the crowd that the “normalisation of toxic antisemitism in Britain is unacceptable”.
Protesters chanted “disgrace” at Mr McFadden, “it’s your party’s fault” and “when are you going to act”, while others held signs saying “British Jews deserve better”, “Where is Keir” and “Brits against antisemitism”.
“I came to speak for something, for freedom, for the freedom that makes us stand out as a great country,” Mr. McFadden said.
When his voice was drowned out by boos, he added: “Friends, I hear you, I am with you, I am here to fight antisemitism.”
Meanwhile, Ms Badenoch was applauded as she spoke at a protest organized by the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
“There are many, many different anti-Semitic groups in this country, but I am most concerned about the growth of extremism and terrorism around the world and how it targets many groups in this country,” he said.
“Britain has been and always should be a haven for the Jewish people.”
Richard Tice, vice-chairman of Reform UK, was also met with applause and praise as he told the rally: “The scourge of antisemitism has been allowed to fester in our beloved country and we have to say we are sick and tired of the hot words from crazy politicians.”
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, took to the stage and led some cheers, but the boos died down when the event’s host told the audience he was here as a friend.
Tight security measures were in place, with attendees passing through airport-style security at the Trafalgar Square entrance to Whitehall before attending the rally.
Following the stabbing attack in Golders Green, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Center raised the terror threat level in the UK to “serious”, meaning a terror attack is “highly likely”.
The Metropolitan Police this week announced a community protection team of 100 extra police officers to help protect the Jewish community, despite Sir Mark Rowley’s previous call for 300 extra officers.
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has warned of a growing “epidemic” of antisemitism in the UK and said he is “very concerned” about the sustainability of the force’s current approach to protecting Jewish communities in the capital.
