Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
(): The first duty of any
government is to keep its people safe. The truest test of whether
that is being met is how we respond when a community comes under
attack. This crisis of antisemitism – the disgusting attacks
being made against British Jews - is a crisis for all of us.
Today I want to update the House on steps we are taking as a
government to combat this sickening hatred, and better protect,
celebrate, and support Jewish communities.
Antisemitism is an old hatred, and though its nature changes over
time, Jewish people are often the target when extremists are
emboldened. Since the 7 October terrorist attacks, there has been
a marked increase in antisemitism both here, and abroad. We have
seen its devastating impacts in Manchester, Bondi, Washington,
and, most recently, in Golders Green. There has also been a
magnified threat from hostile states.
In March, we published Protecting What Matters, our
strategy to tackle prejudice, bring people together, and take on
extremists. It includes: action we will take online to give
people greater control over what content they see; £7 million to
tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges and universities; Lord
Macdonald's review into existing public order and hate crime
legislation; Sir David Bell's review into antisemitism in schools
and colleges, and Lord Mann's review into tackling antisemitism
and racism in the health service; the rollout of training across
the Civil Service; and steps to help faith groups improve their
safety and security.
These policies were developed in consultation with Jewish
stakeholders, and sit alongside other measures to combat
extremism. This includes: embedding the extremism definition;
strengthening oversight of charities and universities; expanding
disruption powers and operational capacity to counter extremist
groups; and using the full strength of powers in the Online
Safety Act 2023 to tackle harmful online content.
However, we know that we all need to do more.
On 5 May the Prime Minister convened a summit of leaders from
across business, civil society, health, education, culture, and
policing to explore how to tackle antisemitism in all corners of
society.
Ahead of the summit, the government announced a series of
measures, including:
- A further £25 million into increased police patrols and
protective security to keep our Jewish communities safe. This
brings the total funding this year to £58 million – the largest
investment a government has ever made towards protecting Jewish
communities.
- A £1 million expansion of the Common Ground programme for
communities facing antisemitism.
- Working with the Arts Council to champion the talent and
ambition of Jewish artists and creative professionals, with the
Arts Council supporting, and part-funding, the UK's first Jewish
Cultural Month.
- Ensuring the Arts Council is tough on organisations or
individuals in receipt of Arts Council funding that peddle or
promote antisemitic content, including using their powers to
suspend, withdraw, or claw back that funding. DCMS will work with
the Arts Council to carry out an independent audit focused on the
use of these powers and their effectiveness: these powers will be
strengthened where needed.
- Strengthening guidance to local licensing authorities on how
existing licensing powers can be used to tackle events or venues
promoting antisemitic behaviour or content.
- Ensuring that Arts Council and Home Office funding can be
used to support protective security for Jewish artists and
cultural organisations: this will mean that security costs driven
by antisemitism do not lead to cancellations or exclusion.
- Setting an expectation for universities to publish robust
disciplinary policies that explicitly set out the consequences of
antisemitism, and how these policies will be enforced.
- Calling on universities to publish anonymised data on
antisemitic incidents and the action taken: this will improve
transparency, monitor frequency, and ensure accountability.
Government will review the published data to ensure that this is
being taken seriously.
We will also be fast-tracking legislation in the coming weeks to
introduce new proscription-like powers to clamp down on
individuals and groups carrying out hostile activity for foreign
states, including those who act as their proxies.
No one should feel that they have to hide their identity for
their own safety. Nobody should think twice before going to a
synagogue, hide their Stars of David or kippahs, or avoid sharing
their identity with school friends or colleagues. Simply put, no
one should lead smaller lives to protect themselves.
We will not allow fear to dictate how Jewish people live in this
country, or allow antisemitism to become normalised and excused.
We will not rest until the UK is a place where every Jewish
person can live openly, safely, and proudly.
