British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged new measures to protect the country’s Jewish community after two men were stabbed in north London, warning that many Jews now feel unsafe in daily life.
The attack in Golders Green on Wednesday is the latest in a string of antisemitic incidents that have raised alarm across the United Kingdom.
“People are scared,” Starmer said in a televised statement. “Scared to show who they are, to go to synagogue, to send their children to school, or even to tell colleagues that they are Jewish.”
Police identified the suspect as a 45-year-old British national with a history of violent offences and mental health issues. Authorities said he had previously been referred to the government’s counter-radicalisation programme, Prevent, in 2020.
Starmer, facing criticism over his government’s handling of antisemitism, said additional police would be deployed in Jewish neighbourhoods, alongside stricter action against hate speech and extremism.
The government also plans to fast-track legislation allowing individuals acting on behalf of hostile states to be prosecuted similarly to spies, citing concerns about foreign involvement in recent incidents.
“We need stronger powers to tackle the malign threat posed by states like Iran,” Starmer said, adding that British authorities have evidence suggesting attempts to target Jewish communities.
Iran has rejected such accusations.
Rising tensions and protest fallout
The stabbings come amid heightened tensions linked to the Gaza war, with large pro-Palestinian protests taking place regularly across London since late 2023.
Starmer drew a direct link between some protest rhetoric and rising antisemitism, saying slogans such as “Globalise the Intifada” amount to incitement.
“It is racism, extreme racism,” he said. “It has left a minority community feeling intimidated and questioning their place in this country.”
Critics within the Jewish community have argued that demonstrations have created an environment where antisemitic abuse has become more visible.
Security concerns deepen
The latest attack follows a series of incidents targeting Jewish communities in Britain and abroad, including a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester last year and plots inspired by extremist groups.
Jonathan Hall, the UK’s independent reviewer of terrorism laws, described the surge in attacks as the country’s most serious security challenge in years.
“This is the biggest national security emergency since 2017,” he told the BBC.
Authorities say investigations into the Golders Green stabbing are ongoing.
