Badenoch calls for ‘robust response’ by government to dealing with Islamic extremism

Kemi Badenoch has said the Government needs to have a “robust response” to dealing with Islamic extremism, in light of the terror attack on Australia’s Bondi Beach.

Asked by  whether she believed the Government was doing enough to tackle antisemitism in the wake of the attack, the Conservative leader said: “To be honest I don’t actually know what the Government is doing to target antisemitism.

“We need a robust response. What happened in Bondi Beach was absolutely horrific.

Ahead of a Chanukah lighting event in Westminister, Badenoch  told the Press Association“I can’t imagine what the families of the victims, and friends, are going through. It was completely disgusting.

“We saw an attack on Jewish people in Manchester just a few months ago.

“What we need to see is a robust response, especially around Islamic extremism, which is a poisonous ideology that is driving quite a lot of this hate.”

Addressing a Chanukah event at a room at the Lords she then said:”I  am tired of standing before good Jewish people to offer condolences and expressions of solidarity.

“Words are not enough. We must do what is necessary to keep us all safe.

“Radical Islamism is a threat to Western civilisation. It is incompatible with British values of freedom, equality, and the rule of law. Action means breaking up extremist networks that radicalise our youth, safeguarding Jewish communities, stopping protests from becoming platforms for violence, and revoking visas from foreign students who celebrate antisemitic terror. As Jewish families across Britain gather to celebrate Chanukah, we do so this year with heavy hearts, after the horrific scenes in Sydney, where people were murdered simply for being Jewish.

“These were targeted attacks, driven by the same ancient hatred that has resurfaced with frightening confidence across the world, including here in the UK. The attack at Heaton Park in Manchester was an act of terror that brought fear to an anguished community already living with a disturbing rise in antisemitism. We need truth, courage and moral conviction more than ever.”

As parliament began for the week on Monday Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also expressed his “deepest sympathy” to those affected by the Bondi Beach attack.

He said: “I am sure the whole House will join me in extending my deepest sympathy to all those affected by the appalling attack on Bondi Beach on the first day of Hanukkah. I have written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Australia to offer our condolences.

“My thoughts are with the Australian people and with the Jewish community in Sydney and beyond, including here in the United Kingdom.”

In the Commons, Defence Secretary John Healey then said: “The House does indeed join with you in your sentiments, remembering all those suffering from the attack of Bondi Beach.”