The prime minister has warned there will be "consequences" if foreign actors are found to be behind the recent spate of antisemitic attacks in the UK.
Addressing government ministers, police chiefs, and community leaders in Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer confirmed officials were investigating whether foreign states were responsible for stirring up the hatred behind attacks like Golders Green.
“Our message to Iran or to any other country that might seek to promote violence, hatred or division in society is that it will not be tolerated," Starmer said.
“We are clear that these actions will have consequences if that proves to be the case."
The prime minister also announced a series of measures and additional funding to tackle rising antisemitism after a series of recent attacks and arsons targeting the Jewish community.
Among these are new expectations for universities and arts bodies, as well as additional funding to support community safety projects.
Last week’s stabbing in Golders Green was the latest in a series of attacks on Britain’s Jewish community, which have contributed to concerns that antisemitism is on the rise.
Describing the situation as a “crisis” in the wake of the Golders Green attack, Starmer said new legislation would be rushed through to tackle “malign threats”.
The government has promised a new law to allow it to take action against state-backed groups amid calls for the proscription of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
At a roundtable of senior figures from the police, representatives from the arts, higher education, trade unions and businesses, Starmer also promised new action to implement a “zero tolerance” approach to antisemitism on university campuses and action in the arts.
Universities will now be expected to “demonstrate action” to tackle antisemitism among students, the PM said.
