Wednesday’s antisemitic terror attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green was an attack on all of us. Such abhorrent acts have no place in British society, and they will not be tolerated in any way, shape or form.
This was not an isolated incident. It is the latest in a deeply worrying pattern of vile attacks targeting the Jewish community—acts that seek to intimidate, divide and spread fear. They must be confronted with the full force of the law and the united resolve of society.
In response, the Prime Minister convened an emergency COBR meeting to coordinate immediate action. Two key steps have already been confirmed.
First, an additional £25 million will be invested in protective security for the Jewish community. This will fund increased police patrols and enhanced security measures at synagogues, schools and other community sites—ensuring people can go about their lives in safety.
Second, the government will fast-track legislation to provide new powers to ban state-backed groups that promote hatred and division on British streets.
But enforcement alone is not enough. Antisemitism must be rooted out wherever it appears—in institutions, online, and in everyday life.
That is why further measures are being taken. A comprehensive review into how antisemitism is addressed in schools, colleges and universities is now underway, led by Sir David Bell, who has issued a call for evidence to ensure responses are robust and effective.
Across the NHS, antisemitism training is being rolled out to staff, reinforcing the expectation that public services must be safe and respectful for all. Meanwhile, the newly enacted Crime and Policing Act strengthens police powers to respond to hostile and intimidating protests.
Online, the government is building on the Online Safety Act to crack down on harmful antisemitic content, recognising the role digital platforms can play in spreading hate if left unchecked.
These steps reflect a broader commitment: to stand firmly against antisemitism in all its forms and to ensure that Jewish people can live safely, openly and confidently in our communities.
This is a collective responsibility. Hatred thrives when it is ignored or excused. It is defeated when it is challenged—clearly, consistently and together.