Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a stern warning to Iran, declaring that any efforts to stir up violence and hatred on British soil “will not be tolerated.” The statement comes amid growing suspicions that Tehran may be backing a series of antisemitic attacks, including last week’s stabbing in Golders Green.
Prime Minister’s Strong Response
Speaking at a Downing Street roundtable with community leaders, senior ministers, and police chiefs, Sir Keir emphasised that there would be “consequences” if Iran is found to be behind some of the incidents. He described the current situation as a “crisis” and announced that new legislation would be fast-tracked to counter “malign threats.”
“One of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents,” the Prime Minister stated. “We are investigating all possibilities, and we are clear that these actions will have consequences if that proves to be the case. Our message to Iran or any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society is that it will not be tolerated.”
Legislative and Policy Measures
The Government has promised a new law to take action against state-backed groups, amid calls for the proscription of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Sir Keir also outlined a “zero tolerance” approach to antisemitism on university campuses, requiring universities to “demonstrate action” by publishing the scale of the problem and specific steps taken to clamp down on it.
In the arts sector, the Arts Council will be expected to withdraw and claw back funding from anyone found promoting antisemitism. Additionally, the Government has ordered an independent audit of how allegations of antisemitism are handled. “This will be a hard-edge review of where systems are failing,” Sir Keir said. “We will not accept complacency, delays or weak enforcement.”
Additional Funding and Police Action
Ahead of the meeting, the Government announced an extra £1 million in funding for Jewish communities across England, aimed at community safety and countering antisemitic narratives. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police revealed that counter-terror police are investigating a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue in Tower Hamlets, east London.
Reactions from Community Groups
The Board of Deputies of British Jews described the roundtable as an “important moment to demonstrate a change in approach” but stressed that “more urgent action is necessary.” They presented the Government with a list of next steps, including adequately resourcing police, proscribing the IRGC, ending incitement at pro-Palestine protests, and fast-tracking prosecutions for hate crimes.
However, the Campaign Against Antisemitism criticised the summit as a “choreographed spectacle that puts words before action,” calling for the proscription of the IRGC, expulsion of the Iranian ambassador, and a ban on the Muslim Brotherhood.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp labelled the attacks a “national emergency,” urging a moratorium on pro-Palestine marches and deportation of foreign citizens involved in antisemitic activity. “How many antisemitic attacks do there need to be for Keir Starmer to wake up?” he asked, demanding increased police presence, urgent prosecutions, maximum sentencing, and implementation of Jonathan Hall KC’s recommendations on banning the IRGC.
