- £1 million expansion of MHCLG's Common Ground programme will
support communities and places facing the greatest risk of
antisemitism today
- Plus an additional £500,000 will be allocated immediately to
Barnet Council, reflecting the recent serious antisemitic
incidents in the borough, following their ask for government
support
- Funding builds on the government's commitment to work closely
with Jewish communities to ensure actions work for them and drive
real change on the ground
Jewish communities across England will receive a further £1
million of government funding to tackle antisemitism and
strengthen community cohesion in those places facing the greatest
risk. An immediate £500,000 will also be allocated to Barnet
Council, reflecting recent serious antisemitic incidents in the
borough and the large number of Jewish residents there.
There has been an alarming rise in antisemitism both in this
country and across much of the globe, including the horrific
antisemitic terrorist attacks in Heaton Park and Bondi Beach last
year, and an appalling spate of antisemitic attacks in North West
London in recent weeks.
To tackle this, the additional funding being announced today will
expand MHCLG's Common Ground programme - which is already
providing more than £4m to communities across the country.
The additional new government funding will power local efforts to
counter antisemitism, support safer communities and respond to
rising tensions in those towns and cities where our Jewish
communities are most fearful and concerned.
The funding will help local people – especially those from Jewish
communities and Jewish organisations who have been hit hardest
recently - take rapid, visible action, ranging from community
safety work and targeted youth and schools initiatives, to
interfaith projects and programmes to challenge antisemitic
narratives or hate crime.
The investment is in addition to the £25 million announced last
week to boost police patrols, specialist officers, and protective
security for Jewish communities - taking total funding to £58
million, as well as £7 million to tackle antisemitism in schools,
colleges and universities.
Later today the Prime Minister will convene leaders from across
society to call for everyone to play their part stamping out
antisemitism.
Secretary of State for Housing and Communities
said:
“The horrific rise of antisemitism and anti-Jewish hatred in
Britain and across the world is intolerable. I will not rest
until Britain is a place where every Jewish person can live
openly, safely and proudly.
“Our Common Ground programme has already awarded millions of
pounds into communities across the country, and today's expansion
of that programme builds on our commitment to tackle hate
crime, promote integration and support communities most at risk.
“While we know there is more to do, we believe that quickly
channelling government funding directly to the communities and
places facing the greatest risks today will help local partners
to take early, practical action to keep people safe, strengthen
communities and stand up to hate.”
Under the expansion, councils, faith groups, schools, police,
voluntary organisations and local people themselves – especially
our Jewish communities – will work together to develop and
deliver tailored local action which addresses the challenges they
face in their own area today.
The funding forms one part a suite of measures from government to
combat antisemitism across all corners of society, including the
Protecting What Matters strategy which out plans to tackle
extremism and antisemitism wherever it occurs.
