The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Stephen Parkinson, has issued a stark warning about a 'deeply troubling rise' in antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom. In a statement released on Friday afternoon, he pledged to use the 'full force of the law' against those responsible for hate crimes targeting Jewish communities.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Hate Crimes
Mr Parkinson emphasised that there is a strong public interest in adopting a zero-tolerance approach to what he described as 'hate-infected crimes'. He stated that recent events, including the appalling attack on Jewish community members in London, highlight a broader and concerning trend of increasing antisemitism nationwide.
'I recognise the profound fear, distress, and anger that many Jewish people and families are experiencing, and my thoughts remain with the victims of Wednesday’s attack. No one should feel unsafe because of who they are or their faith,' Parkinson said.
Legal Consequences for Perpetrators
The DPP made it clear that antisemitic hate crime is not only an attack on individuals but also an attack on the values of respect, tolerance, and the rule of law that underpin British society. 'Let me be clear: those who commit antisemitic crimes will be held accountable. The CPS will use the full force of the law to ensure those responsible are prosecuted robustly and swiftly and justice is done.'
Prosecutors are working closely with police partners to build strong cases from the outset, ensuring perpetrators are brought before the courts swiftly. Where offences are proven to be motivated by hostility based on religion or ethnicity, the CPS will make full use of powers to prosecute these as aggravated offences, which attract longer sentences.
Background: Golders Green Attack
The warning comes after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, on Wednesday. The UK terrorism threat level was subsequently raised to 'severe' by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, meaning a terror attack is 'highly likely'. Alleged attacker Essa Suleiman, 45, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning and was remanded in custody. He is accused of trying to kill Shloime Rand, 34, and Norman Shine, 76, during a knife rampage through the streets.
Police and Community Response
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley earlier warned of a growing 'pandemic' of antisemitism in the UK, expressing deep concern about the sustainability of the force’s current approach to protecting Jewish communities in the capital. He urged 'everybody should reflect on the levels of antisemitic attitudes in society'.
Sir Mark also addressed concerns about upcoming protests, stating that while protests cannot be banned, police are examining conditions and powers to restrict marches or, in extreme circumstances, limit them to static events. He noted that a temporary pause on demonstrations is a matter for Parliament, not within his power.
The CPS and police are engaging directly with Jewish communities to ensure their voices are heard and concerns addressed. Parkinson encouraged anyone who has experienced or witnessed antisemitic abuse or violence to report it to police, emphasising that reports enable action and ensure offenders face justice.
