UK raises terror threat level to ‘severe’ after Jewish-targeted stabbings
UK declares an ‘antisemitism emergency’ and police probe potential Iranian proxy links to Golders Green attack
The UK government said on Thursday that the country was facing an antisemitism emergency and pledged to increase security for Jewish communities after a string of arson attacks and a double stabbing that have sparked fear and anger among Jews.
The country’s official terror threat level was raised from substantial to severe after Wednesday’s stabbing attack in London, which police have called an act of terrorism with potential links to Iran. Severe is the second-highest rung on a five-point scale and means intelligence agencies consider an attack highly likely in the next six months.
But some in the community have turned their anger on the government, which they said was failing to tackle antisemitism. Starmer was heckled by about 100 protesters holding signs saying “Keir Starmer, Jew harmer” when he visited Golders Green on Thursday.
The prime minister said in response that “I absolutely understand the high levels of anxiety and concern that there are”.
“Antisemitism is an old, old hatred. History shows that the roots are deep, and if you turn away, it grows back,” he said during a televised statement at 10 Downing Street. “Yet far too many people in this country diminish it.”