Keir Starmer has vowed to tackle “the root causes of extremism and antisemitism” following a terrorist attack on a Jewish community in north London. The Prime Minister described the incident in Golders Green as “appalling” and confirmed that funding to protect the security of Jewish people will be increased. He also announced plans to visit the area “as soon as possible” and will hold meetings with criminal justice agencies tomorrow after an emergency Cobra meeting this afternoon.
Details of the Attack
Two Jewish men, aged 76 and 34, were stabbed in what police have declared a terrorist attack at around 11:15am. Both victims are in a stable condition in hospital. Jewish leaders have called for tougher action on antisemitic violence following the double stabbing, which has heightened fears within the community.
Prime Minister's Statement
Speaking this evening, Mr Starmer said: “Let me start by saying what an appalling attack this is and my thoughts - all of our thoughts - are with the victims, their families, their loved ones. And, let's be frank, this is not an isolated incident. There have been a series of antisemitic attacks, and I know first hand the anxiety that that is causing in the community, and concern.”
He recalled his visit to Kenton Synagogue last week, where he heard about the community's anxiety, adding: “It'll be worse after today. We're very much in touch with the community and I'll visit as soon as possible.”
Government Response
The PM said he held a Cobra meeting this afternoon with attendees including the Home Secretary, the London mayor, and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner “to coordinate our response and to look at enhanced security.” He also spoke to the Community Security Trust, a British charity dedicated to protecting the Jewish community, noting: “There is enhanced funding already in place. We need to increase that to give the level of protection that is needed.”
Mr Starmer emphasised the need to address broader issues: “We need to take measures to deal with malign state actors but we also have to be really clear that we need to get to the root causes of extremism and antisemitism and that is what we're doing.”
Community Concerns
The Prime Minister acknowledged the deep anxiety within the Jewish community, stating: “We do have to recognise the levels of anxiety and concern there are, that I know about, in terms of the Jewish community feeling very much exposed and vulnerable, feeling they've got to hide their identity sometimes in the health service, sometimes at school, on the streets, where they live and it's our job to make sure that they feel safe, secure. It's our job, to make sure that we absolutely deal with the roots of antisemitism and extremism. That is what we will do.”
Police Investigation
Police are working to establish the “nationality and background” of the attacker, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody after being checked over at hospital, according to Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley.
