This year, the Jewish community in London became
the target of a wave of antisemitic attacks directed at
synagogues and community charities. One of the most prominent
incidents was the Hatzola ambulance arson. The attacks
prompted a major counter-terrorism investigation, which led to
dozens of arrests and increased security across northwest
London.
The London Assembly Fire Committee visited
Finchley Rd Fire Station and held a meeting at City Hall to hear
from those affected and the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
The evidence the Committee received demonstrates that the LFB has
an effective model for responding to terror incidents and
engaging with the communities affected by them. But as the level
of risk increases, LFB must continue to invest to be prepared for
the scale and complexity of new threats.
Today, the Fire Committee has
written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and
Local Government, supporting the London Fire Commissioner's
request for the Government to provide the London Fire Brigade
with £10 million funding in 2027-28 in respect of its national
security remit.
Chair of the London Assembly Fire Committee, AM, said:
Without dedicated funding, there is a risk that the LFB will
be unable to continue to deliver the effective response that
London's communities, and all those who live, work or visit the
capital, deserve.
So, it seems a no-brainer to us that direct Government
funding for LFB s national security activity would recognise the
additional responsibilities that LFB undertakes on behalf of the
UK, as well as the unique security risks facing London as the
nation's capital.
Notes for Editors:
- Read the letter attached
