Starmer leads cross-party condemnation of ‘shocking’ ambulance arson attack

The prime minister and political leaders from all main parties have condemned the arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green.

Keir Starmer described the incident, which took place in the early hours of Monday, as a “deeply shocking”.

He added: “My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society. Anyone with any information must come forward to the police.”

Starmer said he had been in contact with Jewish community leaders and “it’s really important that we all stand together”.

He said: “This is a horrific antisemitic attack. And of course, my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with those in the vicinity, the residents who are understandably very concerned, the Jewish community across the country, deeply concerned.

“I’ve already been in touch with community leaders this morning and will continue to do so during the day. But antisemitism has no place in our society, and it’s really important that we all stand together at a moment like this.”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also expressed anger at the attack, which was captured on CCTV cameras in the area.

“What kind of person targets Hatzola, a volunteer-run ambulance service?” posted Badenoch on X. “Just last week in Golders Green, members of the Jewish community told me how they live in fear of constant attacks.

“The police must find those responsible. A hatred of Jews is growing in our country, and all of us need to make it clear in our words and actions that Britain will not tolerate antisemitism.”

Sarah Sackman, the local Finchley and Golders Green MP and courts minister, condemned “the despicable, cowardly, antisemitic arson attack”.

She said: “I am horrified by the arson attack on Hatzola NW ambulances in Golders Green overnight. This is a despicable, cowardly, antisemitic act, which the police are treating as a hate crime.

“Hatzola NW is staffed by dedicated volunteers who save lives from all communities. I know that many people across Finchley and Golders Green will have turned to Hatzola NW in their hour of need.

“The perpetrators must feel the full force of the law. The police are appealing for witnesses and evidence. If you have seen or know anything, please contact them immediately on 1010 quoting CAD415.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:”This is a cowardly attack on the Jewish community.

“I am in close contact with the police who are stepping up patrols in the area, and I urge anyone with information to come forward. Londoners will never be cowed by this kind of hatred and intimidation.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the incident “part of a rising tide of hate against Jewish communities in Britain”.

He said “more undocumented young men are crossing the Channel”, adding “many will be from Iran”.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey posted on X: “A horrifying antisemitic attack destroying ambulances that volunteers use to serve their community. Just despicable.

“Antisemitism has no place in our country. Our Jewish friends should be able to feel safe on Britain’s streets.”

Green Party leader Zack Polanski  said he was “horrified” by the attack.

“Antisemitism is vile and has no place here,” he wrote on X.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood added:”I am appalled at the arson attack on ambulances in North London overnight.

“Anyone with knowledge of this horrific incident should contact the police. My message to our Jewish community is clear – we stand with you against the unacceptable scourge of antisemitism. ”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting had earlier described the arson attack on four ambulances belonging to a Jewish Community Ambulance service in Golders Green as “sickening”.

He posted on X: “Thank goodness there appear to be no injuries. Anyone with information should come forward to the Police. We must stand together against antisemitic hatred.”

Barry Rawlings, the Leader of Barnet Council, also condemned the antisemitic arson attack on Hatzola’s ambulances in Golders Green.

He said: “We are deeply shocked and appalled by this antisemitic attack in the heart of our Jewish community. The deliberate targeting of Hatzola’s volunteer ambulances, in what the Police are treating as a suspected arson attack, is abhorrent. We will do everything in our power to support the Police to bring those responsible to justice.”

Dean Cohen, who represents the Golders Green ward on Barnet Council, told the Press Association: “Firstly, I would like to say that I, together with the community of Golders Green, are shocked by what has happened overnight and it is a despicable act, not only to attack the Jewish community, but to attack ambulances, ambulances that are there to save lives day in, day out, 24/7, is a new low.”

Cohen was at the scene of the attack on Monday morning.

He told PA: “I live a two-minute walk from the scene. I was woken up by a resident. I came on site, and there were fire engines, police and many members of the vital organisations that are the core of the local Jewish community.

“There were people being evacuated from the buildings. Two locations were set up as points for them to enter, two local communal halls. A few hours later, they were allowed to return to their homes.

“The rhetoric needs to stop. The rhetoric from politicians and the rhetoric of certain media channels. People follow what politicians say, what the media says, and it starts from them. They need to stamp this out, once and for all.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, also called the Hatzola ambulance attack “appalling”.

She says her prayers are with the Jewish community, adding: “Such acts of violence, hatred and intimidation have no place in our society.”