The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
The first duty of any Government are 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 roll-out 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 comers of society.
Ahead of the summit, the Government announced a series of measures, including:
A further £25 million for 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 have 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 Star 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.
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