Keir Starmer gives major London firebombing update as he vows to crush antisemitism | Politics | News
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to overcome the “old hatred of antisemitism” by announcing that ambulances destroyed in an arson attack will be replaced with new ones. The Prime Minister said the Ministry of Internal Affairs was considering increasing police patrols in the region and may also take action in other parts of the country with significant Jewish populations.
Telling MPs he was “disgusted” by the arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in north London, he told the House of Commons Liaison Committee: “The idea that ambulances could be seen as a target is simply appalling.” He acknowledged the impact the attack would have on the entire Jewish community, both in the region and across the country, because this is not an isolated incident and the rise of antisemitic hatred is there for all to see. Sir Keir added: “The idea that we live in a society where people feel the need to hide their identity or religion is frankly disgusting.
“Antisemitism is an ancient hatred, but overcoming it requires constant vigilance.”
He said the destroyed ambulances would be replaced “tomorrow morning at the latest.”
Sir Keir said he had spoken to Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman, who wants a greater police presence in her constituency.
He said: “We discussed this this morning and I have had some discussions with the Home Office about this… we are already taking action.”
The Prime Minister said: “This will be a concern in that constituency, but across the country, and that is reflected in the discussions we’ve had this morning.”
Sir Keir met with leaders of the Jewish community in Downing Street to discuss the Golders Green incident.
Michael Wegier, chairman of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told the Press Association after the meeting when asked whether Jews in Britain should feel safe at the moment: “Yes, I think we should feel safe but worried.
“There is a very long, thousands of years of history of Jews feeling anxious and resilient at the same time.
“I think the keyword I would use to describe what the Jewish community needs right now is resilience.
“I don’t think any of us would say we feel as safe as we did five years ago. There is clearly a decline, and the numbers show that.”
“I don’t sense hysteria or panic in the Jewish community. Resistance is disappearing. But to be honest, we feel less safe than we did a few years ago.”
