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”, as he convened a meeting in Downing Street. The Prime Minister said “an attack on our Jewish community is an attack on all of us”, calling the fight against antisemitism “our fight as well”.
The double stabbing in Golders Green on Wednesday is being treated as terrorism. The suspect, a 45-year-old British national born in Somalia, is in custody. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the individual has a history of serious violence and mental health issues.
The two victims, Shilome Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, remain in hospital in a stable condition. Starmer acknowledged a “visceral feeling” among British Jews, noting that this was not a one-off but part of a series of attacks in recent weeks.
The government announced an additional £25m to increase security for Jewish communities, focusing on patrols and protection around synagogues, schools and community centres. Legislation targeting malign state-sponsored groups will be fast-tracked and included in the King’s Speech on 13 May. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed to do everything in her power to keep British Jews safe.
Community members expressed deep concern. Rand told ITV that Jewish people were afraid and uncomfortable walking down the street. Baruch Stern, of Gross Butchers near the scene, said people feel scared and are questioning whether the UK is still safe for Jewish people.
