Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the government and criminal justice system must respond to the suspected terrorist attack in north-west London in “a swift, agile and visible way”, after convening a meeting in Downing Street. Speaking after the double stabbing in Golders Green, he stressed that “an attack on our Jewish community is an attack on all of us” and that it was “absolutely clear” people were being targeted for being Jewish.
The government has announced an additional £25m to increase security for Jewish communities, including extra police patrols and protection around synagogues, schools and community centres. Ministers also said legislation creating proscription-like powers to pursue individuals and organisations acting on behalf of malign state-sponsored groups would be “fast-tracked” and is expected to be included in the king's speech on 13 May.
The home secretary confirmed the suspect is a 45-year-old British national born in Somalia, who came to the UK lawfully as a child. The two victims, Shilome Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, remain in hospital in a stable condition. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the suspect has a “history of serious violence and mental health issues”.
Local residents expressed deep concern for their safety. Rand told ITV that Jewish people are “afraid and uncomfortable to walk down the street”, while Baruch Stern of Gross Butchers in Golders Green said people are questioning “is it really the place for me to be here? Is the UK safe for Jewish people?” Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, pledged to “do everything in my power” to keep British Jews safe, acknowledging “the very real fear that is being felt”.
