The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for England and Wales, Stephen Parkinson, has announced that hate crime prosecutions will be fast-tracked following a “deeply troubling rise in antisemitic incidents”. New guidance issued to prosecutors allows charging decisions to be made swiftly once the evidential threshold is met, with supporting evidence obtained later.
New Guidance Aims to Curb Antisemitic Behaviour
Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Parkinson expressed hope that the move would “put a line in the sand” and halt the recent uptick in antisemitic acts. He stressed the importance of not rushing complex cases, noting close collaboration with police to build evidence for charging decisions. The guidance states: “Its purpose is to ensure that charging decisions are made swiftly and efficiently, with prosecutors focusing on the core evidence required to determine whether the evidential test is met. Where that threshold for prosecution is satisfied, then a prosecution decision should not be delayed – any supporting evidence can be obtained subsequently.”
Recent Attacks on Jewish Community
Since late March, London has witnessed a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites, including a double stabbing in Golders Green treated as terrorism. Counter-terrorism police are also investigating a suspected arson at a former synagogue in Whitechapel. While the DPP noted no evidence of direct linkage between incidents, he acknowledged a “pattern of copycat antisemitism”. He added: “As a result, people see this and they are sadly encouraged to go out and commit crimes themselves.”
Only a Fraction of Crimes Referred to CPS
Mr Parkinson highlighted that “only a fraction” of antisemitic crimes are referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), despite the Jewish community facing “extreme acts of violence and criminal damage”. The guidance continues: “These are not limited to the extreme acts of violence and criminal damage that are currently the subject of investigation and proceedings. Instead, it is evident that, as they go about their daily lives, the Jewish community face numerous incidents which involve threats or abuse and which are intended or likely to cause distress to Jewish people. All such incidents are crimes, but only a fraction of them are referred to the CPS. Where they are, we prosecute in the great majority of cases, with a high conviction rate.”
