‘Jewish people want to see action’ MP challenges Starmer over tackling antisemitism

Conservative MP Bob Blackman has told the House of Commons he welcomes Keir Starmer’s commitment to combat antisemitism, but added, “the Jewish people of our country now want to see action.”

Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions, the Harrow East MP and vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Against Antisemitism, highlighted the growing number of antisemitic attacks on the community, its businesses, and its synagogues.

Referring to recent events, he argued, “the chanting of a globalised intifada has led directly to attacks on Jewish businesses, on synagogues, on individuals in the street, and now an arson attack on where Jewish people live.”

He told MPs: “The Jewish people in this country want to feel safe on our streets and in their homes and in our country,” urging the Prime Minister to take “appropriate action.”

Blackman pressed for measures including expelling those committing antisemitic acts at universities, proscribing Iran’s IRGC, and tackling charities linked to the Tehran regime.

Blackman then called for further steps, urging the Prime Minister to “also take action to ensure that all children are taught the horrors of the Holocaust, the importance of not expressing hatred towards one another, and the true history of the founding of the State of Israel.”

In response, Starmer told Blackman: “We are united in our belief that we must fight the poison of antisemitism.”

He pointed to government action, including “more police patrols, greater security at schools and synagogues, the £7 million to tackle antisemitism within universities, and bringing in new powers to tackle malign state activity.”

Starmer added: “We will set out further steps in the coming days, and I’ll make sure he’s fully informed of the steps.”