PM to urge ‘whole of society’ response to antisemitism in Downing Street talks

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  • May 5, 2026
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Sir Keir Starmer is launching an all-out attack on the surge in antisemitism blighting Britain.

Warning that British “values” are under threat, he was urging every Londoner and citizens in the rest of the UK to stand up against the rise in hatred.

“Last week’s terrorist attack in Golders Green was utterly appalling,” he was expected to say.

“But it was not an isolated incident.

Two Jewish men were stabbed in an incident in Golders Green, north London, on Wednesday, April 29

PA Wire

“It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them.”

Sir Keir was set to emphasise that the attacks are a “test of our values,” with Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley warning that the country is now facing an epidemic of antisemitism.

“So, it is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities,” the Prime Minister was due to stress.

“And that responsibility lies with each and every one of us.

“That is what today is about. Because only by working together, can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society.”

Sir Keir Starmer and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis visiting Kenton United Synagogue, north London, which was the target of an attempted arson

Getty

At the Downing Street event, leaders from civil society, policing, health, culture and higher education were due to take part in individual roundtable discussions with members of the Jewish community.

Sir Keir was set to say that “every part of society needs to stand up together and refuse to platform hatred or turn a blind eye to extremism”.

Ministers were hosting the sessions which were seeking to galvanise a “whole of society” response with new actions being developed “at pace”.

But the Government has been accused by Jewish leaders in Britain, and by Israel, of being too slow at responding to the growing antisemitism crisis.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski clashed with Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley over the arrest of the man suspected of carrying out the Golders Green stabbings

PA Wire

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has opposed restricting the demonstrations.

He also clashed with Scotland Yard boss Sir Mark after he shared a social media post accusing police officers of using excessive force in detaining the man suspected of carrying out the double stabbing in Golders Green last week.

Mr Polanski has apologised for raising the issue on social media but has stood by his concerns over how the police responded.

The burnt-out remains of ambulances at the Jewish Community Ambulance Service in in Golders Green (Jamie Lashmar/PA)

PA Wire

Later on Tuesday afternoon, Sir Keir was also due to convene ministers for a meeting of the Middle East Response Committee.

It was due to focus on the domestic security implications for Britain of Donald Trump’s Iran war.

Britain’s anti-terror laws chief Jonathan Hall KC has strongly pointed the finger at Tehran for the wave of arson attacks on London.

After the Golders Green stabbings, more police, including armed response teams, are being deployed to prevent further attacks on Jewish communities in the capital.

The Government has allocated a further £25 million to boost security at synagogues and other Jewish locations.

Ministers are also fast-tracking legislation to proscribe state-linked terror organisations, such as the IRGC or Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia.