Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is set to receive an additional £22 million to deploy extra officers in Jewish communities following the deadly Heaton Park synagogue terror attack. The funding, announced on Monday as part of a nationwide £250 million boost to police budgets aimed at tackling antisemitism, will support increased patrols around schools, community centres, and synagogues in areas such as Prestwich and Broughton. It will also fund specialist and plain-clothes officers trained to identify suspicious behaviour.
Prime Minister announces 'step-change' in protection
Prime Minister described the move as a 'step-change in protection and policing so Jewish communities can live and celebrate their faith free from fear'. The funding comes after the October 2 terror attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall, where Jihad Al-Shamie killed Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz and seriously injured three others during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Al-Shamie was shot dead by armed police.
National funding breakdown
Nationally, the £250 million will fund an extra 500 officers, with £59 million allocated to Counter-Terrorism Police. The Metropolitan Police will receive £86 million to support around 300 additional officers, while £43 million will be shared across seven other police forces with sizeable Jewish communities, including West Midlands and West Yorkshire.
Minister condemns attacks
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones stated: 'After a series of appalling attacks against Jewish communities, the difficult decision was made to raise the threat level to Severe. My thoughts remain with the victims of these vile attacks. Today we are going further and providing record funding to help keep Jewish people in Manchester safe, supporting visible policing and protection around synagogues, schools and community centres. We will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.'
Community Security Trust welcomes funding
Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity dedicated to protecting British Jews from antisemitism, welcomed the funding. He said: 'This serious increase in policing and government support comes not a moment too soon, because this is a critical time for the future of British Jews. CST and our many communal partners will keep working with police and government to ensure that these deployments are as effective as possible.'
