Lord Polak Delivers Prescient Warning on Anti-Semitism in House of Lords Speech
In a moving and powerful address to the House of Lords, one of Britain's most prominent Jewish figures issued a remarkably prescient warning about the escalating threat of anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom. Lord Polak, the Honorary President of the Conservative Friends of Israel, described a sobering meeting with 40 to 50 survivors at the Holocaust Survivors' Centre in Golders Green, north London.
Holocaust Survivors Express Shock and Fear
Lord Polak recounted asking the survivors if they were surprised by the extent of anti-Semitism in the UK today, given their horrific past experiences. 'It was shocking to hear what these people, given what they have been through, said to me,' he stated. 'Anti-Semitism is rising sharply and visibly. Recent events have shown the devastating consequences of this hatred, in the UK and abroad.'
He highlighted systemic failures in addressing this issue, noting that the Crown Prosecution Service is struggling to cope. 'Too often, victims come forward and see no meaningful outcome. Anti-Semitism is not properly prosecuted. That is the reality. We are seeing cases where clear anti-Semitic conduct is not being charged.'
Firebombing Attack Follows Survivors' Meeting
Just five days after Lord Polak's meeting with Holocaust survivors, a chilling incident underscored his warnings. Four ambulances owned by the Jewish organisation Hatzolah, meaning rescue or relief, were firebombed mere yards from where the meeting took place in Golders Green. Reflecting on this attack, Lord Polak expressed deep shame, telling this publication: 'It's shameful that victims of the Holocaust are having sleepless nights in this country all over again.'
Political Hypocrisy and Parliamentary Notes
In other parliamentary developments, speculation mounts that London's Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan may be elevated to the House of Lords, despite his 2012 call in a Commons debate to abolish the chamber and replace it with an elected second chamber. This potential move has drawn criticism as hypocritical.
Meanwhile, eleven bishops attended a late-night sitting in the House of Lords to oppose the decriminalisation of abortion, with the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, speaking against reform. However, the absence of the other 15 Anglican bishops raised questions about their priorities on moral issues.
The order of service for Dame Sarah's enthronement as Archbishop of Canterbury featured a pointed comment: its first inside page was devoted to a 'safeguarding notice'. This follows the safeguarding scandal that led to the downfall of her predecessor, Justin Welby.
Environmental Gestures and Political Gaffes
Parliament recently participated in Earth Hour 2026, joining global landmarks in switching off lights for one hour to raise environmental awareness. Some observers questioned whether this was merely a symbolic gesture or a rehearsal for potential blackouts, should the government fail to lift its moratorium on drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea.
In a notable gaffe, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attempted to denounce Israeli settlements as a 'flagrant breach of international law' but mistakenly called it a 'fragrant bleach' during an appearance before MPs last week. This slip-up provided a moment of unintended humour in an otherwise serious political discourse.
Green Party Venue Controversy and Royal Anecdote
Green Party leader Zack Polanski's economics speech last week was criticised as lacklustre, and the venue added to the discomfort. The New Economics Foundation's premises in north London featured waterless lavatories, described by one horrified female reporter as 'basically just holes in the ground.'
In lighter news, singer Michael Ball shared an anecdote about meeting the late Queen after a Royal Variety performance, where he sang People Will Say We're In Love from the musical Oklahoma! to mark her 60th wedding anniversary. Ball recalled the Queen being 'a little bit misty-eyed' and expressing delight at the song. However, when introduced to Prince Philip and told it was his song with Her Majesty, Philip retorted: 'I don't think I've ever heard that song in my life.'
