Good morning. Keir Starmer has labeled antisemitism as “a crisis for all of us.” Today, he is leading an event at Downing Street aimed at encouraging leaders from various sectors of public life to confront this issue. According to a briefing from Number 10, Starmer is expected to address the recent terrorist incident in Golders Green, stating:
“The attack last week was absolutely horrific, but it is not an isolated occurrence. It is part of a disturbing trend of escalating antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling scared, angry, and questioning whether this country, which they call home, is indeed safe for them.”
He will emphasize that while these abhorrent acts are directed at British Jews, this crisis impacts everyone. It serves as a measure of our societal values—principles that must be continuously earned through our daily actions.
Pippa Crerar and Aamna Mohdin have provided a detailed report on the situation.
In response to the attack in Golders Green last week, the government announced an additional £25 million aimed at enhancing police presence, deploying specialized officers, and ensuring protective measures for Jewish communities. This brings the total funding to £58 million, along with £7 million allocated to combat antisemitism in educational institutions. Additionally, this morning, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government unveiled a modest funding increase for local councils in line with the Downing Street event. The announcement states:
“Jewish communities throughout England will receive an extra £1 million in government funding to combat antisemitism and promote community cohesion in areas facing significant risks.”
An immediate allocation of £500,000 will be directed to Barnet Council, reflecting the recent serious antisemitic incidents in the area and the substantial Jewish population there.
There has been a concerning increase in antisemitism in the UK and globally, including the tragic antisemitic attacks in Heaton Park and Bondi Beach last year, as well as a recent wave of antisemitic incidents in North West London.
The newly announced funding will expand the MHCLG’s Common Ground program, which is already supporting communities across the nation with over £4 million.
Local councils can utilize these funds to implement measures aimed at combating antisemitism.
Here is the schedule for today:
Morning: Keir Starmer will host a meeting at Downing Street to discuss a comprehensive societal response to rising antisemitism.
Morning: Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, is campaigning in Suffolk, followed by an afternoon visit to Coventry.
Noon: A lobby briefing will take place at Downing Street.
Noon: Paul Ovenden, Starmer’s former head of political strategy at No 10, will speak at a Policy Exchange event focused on reshaping Britain.
Afternoon: Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, will visit a synagogue in central London.
5 PM: Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, along with Dan Thomas, the party’s Welsh leader, will address a rally in south Wales featuring a “special guest.”
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Steve Reed, the housing secretary, has cautioned that Labour could face “annihilation” if it replaces Keir Starmer and initiates another leadership election.
He shared this sentiment during a series of media interviews this morning. Pippa Crerar highlights that Reed’s public remarks align with what several cabinet ministers have privately expressed to The Guardian regarding the risks associated with a leadership contest.
In an interview with Times Radio, Reed stated:
“I regularly engage with fellow MPs and council leaders who are frustrated with this ongoing ‘psychodrama.’ The idea that we would mirror the Conservatives and engage in a cycle of leadership changes that distracts from addressing the real issues facing the British public is simply absurd, and I refuse to participate in it, as do many of our MPs.”
For further details on that interview, see Jessica Elgot’s coverage.
In a separate interview with Sky News, Reed argued that another leadership election would be catastrophic for Labour, stating:
“We cannot emulate the Tories and become mired in a cycle of leadership changes. Such an approach leads to destruction. Our focus must be on the British public, not on ourselves.”
In his Sky News interview, Reed also mentioned having dinner with Angela Rayner, the former deputy PM, over the weekend. He clarified that their discussion did not involve her potential candidacy for leadership, adding, “Sometimes we politicians talk about other topics.” However, he expressed a desire to see her return to the cabinet “in time.”
Senior economists have indicated that the next Scottish government will face “really difficult” spending decisions shortly after assuming office, particularly concerning the substantial public sector salary expenses. Severin Carrell has the details.
Steve Reed, the environment secretary, has been giving interviews this morning and promoting the modest funding announcement for councils addressing antisemitism.
