Prime Minister Keir Starmer says antisemitism is a “crisis for all of us” as he prepares to host a Downing Street event aimed at securing a whole-society response. In remarks ahead of the Tuesday roundtable, Starmer links recent violence, including a last week knife attack in Golders Green, with what he describes as a wider pattern of rising antisemitism affecting Jewish communities, leaving them feeling frightened and unsafe. He says antisemitism is not an issue to be handled by government alone, and that people across public life must demonstrate their commitment to standing with Jewish communities through their actions, not only through condemnation.

The briefing reported by No 10 also outlines additional government funding intended to tackle antisemitism and strengthen community cohesion. Jewish communities across England are set to receive a further £1 million, with an immediate £500,000 allocated to Barnet council. The allocation reflects recent serious antisemitic incidents in the borough and the large number of Jewish residents. Starmer’s comments also reference other incidents, including arson attacks and a terror incident in Heaton Park in October.