UK terror threat level update as fears soar after ‘vile’ Golders Green stabbings | Politics | News
Shabana Mahmood (Image: Getty)
The terror threat level has been raised to “serious” following the Golders Green attack.
The Home Office said further brutality was “highly likely” after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, yesterday.
The threat from lone wolf extremists and small groups of fanatics has intensified, officials said.
Security chiefs said this “comes against the backdrop” of increasing threats from Iran, Russia and China.
Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said: “Yesterday’s disgusting, anti-Semitic attack was a despicable act of terrorism.
“My thoughts today are with the victims and the entire Jewish community at a time of deep concern and fear. My deepest thanks to the volunteers and emergency services, many of whom I met today. Their actions saved lives and they are heroes and will forever be so.
“Today the national threat level has increased to ‘severe’, meaning a terrorist attack is likely.
“I know this will be a cause for concern for many, especially our Jewish community who have suffered so much.
“The government today announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities and record funding for police and security services in synagogues, schools and community centres. And we will do everything we can to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.
“As the threat level increases, I urge everyone to remain vigilant, go about their daily lives and report any concerns to the police.
“And I can assure everyone that our world-class security services and police are working day and night to keep our country safe.”
The terrorist threat was last rated SEVERE following the bombing of Liverpool Women’s Hospital and the murder of Sir David Amess in November 2021, and was downgraded to SIGNIFICANT in February 2022.
A further £25 million will be invested to increase police patrols and guards around synagogues, schools and community centres, taking the total commitment this year to £58 million.
Keir Starmer visits Golders Green today (Image: Getty)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Mahmood faced anger from British Jews when they were told to ban pro-Palestinian hate marches to “protect life”.
The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary were booed and heckled as they finally visited Golders Green in North London after two men were stabbed in a sickening knife attack.
Protesters declared that British Jews had “paid the price in blood” for the Government’s failure to tackle antisemitism.
But Sir Keir, who acknowledged that all communities were “scared”, refused to apologize for not doing more to protect them.
The alleged attacker was Essa Suleiman, a former Somali translator with a history of violent crimes.
Sir Keir and Ms Mahmood are under pressure to ban pro-Palestinian protests after the Government’s terrorism watchdog Jonathan Hall KC warned they would lead to the “demonisation of Jews and Israel”.
He added on Thursday: “We are awaiting an assessment of whether Iran carried out or inspired this attack – but ultimately an attack has to be carried out by someone living in the UK, so that is also a social responsibility. How do we reduce the risk of such people carrying out attacks?”
“This is where antisemitism in public and private comes in. I spoke about the national security emergency and the risk that the demonization of Jews, Israel and Zionists could lead to a terrorist attack, as I have repeatedly warned.
“As the right to life is more important than the right to protest, it is logical to consider a pause or moratorium on protests that incubate hatred and demonize the public. We are talking about protecting the lives of British people and the life of society.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned that hatred towards Jewish people had become “entrenched” during a visit to Golders Green.
He added: “Mr. Minister, frankly, we did not see any action.
“Suffice to say, this isn’t just an attack on the Jewish people. It’s much bigger, it’s much broader, it’s much more fundamental, and if you’re the group that’s being targeted now, who’s next?”
“We allowed marches to take place in the streets of London and other cities where slogans were heard and we took no action and the Government was weak, weak, weak.
“I’m not claiming that we can turn this tide of hatred around overnight. We can’t. It’s here. It’s entrenched and will continue to be a threat for many years to come.”
Farage said the Prime Minister should expel the Iranian ambassador and ban the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorist organisations.
He added: “We’re not doing this because we continue to pander, we continue to appease a certain section of the electorate.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “We need to see an increased police presence.
“The government said it gave money; I don’t know exactly what the money is for, I don’t know if this money is enough.
“I know the Shomrim say they don’t get any money from the Government. They have to fend for themselves.”
“We are very lucky to have police officers nearby who supported them in catching the terrorists.
“But they were horrified, and indeed so were the men, women and children who lived in Barnet, but all over the country, especially people who looked visibly Jewish, they were horrified.”
Sir Keir was grappled with cries of “traitor” as he visited Golders Green following an anti-Semitic attack in which two people were stabbed.
Loud boos were heard and the crowd chanted “Shame on you” and “traitor” as Sir Keir’s motorcade approached the Hatzola building, less than half a mile from the scene of Wednesday’s stabbing attacks.
Hatzola ambulances were set on fire in an arson attack last month.
Itai Galmudy from Stop The Hate, which organized the protest, said: “We are on the streets today because something is broken.
“Our community is being stabbed and firebombed on British soil and this government has failed to tackle antisemitism, anti-Zionism and the Islamic extremism that fuels both.
“Sir Keir Starmer’s administration has comprehensively and consistently failed to tackle antisemitism, and British Jews are now paying the price in blood.
“We are openly asking whether we still have a future in this country.
Nigel Farage also visited Golders Green (Image: Getty)
“Until this question is answered with action and not condemnation, we will continue to say what is being said at every shul, at every kitchen table in our community.”
Accountant and local resident Mendy Muster, 23, said: “We all think he is a coward for not responding to us directly. He wants to be held accountable.”
“He knows he let us down. He knows it’s his fault and that it took too long. It should have happened yesterday, let alone today. He’s not doing enough, he’s not blocking anything, he’s reacting.”
In his televised speech, Sir Keir said some pro-Palestinian protesters were supporting “extreme racism”.
He added: “Take part in the marches that take place regularly across Britain.
“Of course we protect freedom of expression and peaceful protest in this country, but if you march without shouting with people carrying pictures of paragliders, you are respecting the murder of Jews.
“If you side with those who say ‘Globalize the Intifada’, you are calling for terrorism against Jews, and those who use this phrase should be prosecuted.
“This is racism, extreme racism, and it has left a minority community in this country afraid, intimidated and wondering if they belong.
“I say once again that this government will do everything we can to eliminate this hatred, strengthen our security and protect our Jewish community.”
Suleiman, 45, was born in Somalia but came to the UK as a child in the early 1990s. One of his parents had been granted the right to stay after fleeing the east African country, and their son later joined them.
It is understood he was later granted British citizenship.
Suleiman was also allegedly referred to the Government’s anti-radicalisation programme, Prevent, in 2020.
