Security minister: We’ll hunt down synagogue arsonists’
Dan Jarvis vows “full weight of the law” after six attacks on Jewish sites, as counter-terror police make 15 arrests and probe suspected Iran-linked network targeting teens online
Security Minister Dan Jarvis has insisted the government is doing “everything it can” to protect the community amid a spate of terrifying arson attacks at synagogues.
Speaking to Jewish News after meeting police chiefs at Finchley Reform Synagogue, Jarvis said he was confident officers were getting to the bottom of a spate of recent arson attacks.
He told this newspaper: “I am here to reassure the community that the government takes these matters incredibly seriously. We’re obviously working very closely with the police. We’ll make sure that they’ve got resources they need to carry out these investigations, but the attacks that we’ve seen in recent times are utterly abhorrent, completely unacceptable, and this government will do everything that we can to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
On claims that Iranian-linked groups may offer incentives to teenagers, Jarvis warned: “If anybody is considering taking money to engage in this kind of activity, they should not do so. There is absolutely no certainty other than that they will be brought to justice and they will feel the full weight of the law.”
He added: “I’m confident we’ll get to the bottom of all of this, and people should be reassured by the seriousness with which we attach to these issues.”
Addressing why the IRGC has not been proscribed, Jarvis said the group is already sanctioned in its entirety, Iran has been placed on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, and the government will “enact the recommendation that Jonathan Hall brought forward… as quickly as possible.”
Jarvis also acknowledged the online threat, with fears youngsters are being radicalised and offered incentives to commit attacks via the web, telling Jewish News: “There are a number of online challenges, and we’re working across government and with other partners to make the online space safer than it feels at the moment. That is an important area of work, and we’re progressing into place.”
Asked about the claim of responsibility for the attacks by a pro-Iran group he said:”“Well, I’m aware that they have claimed responsibility. Clearly that is an active line of investigation with the Metropolitan Police, and we’re working very closely with them. We’ll have to see where the police investigation takes us, but that is clearly a point of very significant concern, and the government will make sure that we’ve got the right policy and legislative framework to crack down on groups such as this.”
He added it was the job of the police and CPS to determine whether national security laws had been breached.
Monday’s meeting at Finchley Reform Synagogue involved senior officers from the Metropolitan Police and counter-terrorism units. It comes amid a wave of six arson incidents targeting Jewish sites, including four Hatzolah ambulances torched in Golders Green in March, an attempted attack at the synagogue itself on 15 April, and a fire at Kenton United Synagogue on 19 April.
Also present at the meeting was Courts Minister Sarah Sackman, Met Police deputy commissioner Matt Jukes, Deputy Mayor of London Kaya Comer-Schwartz, the CST, Barnet council leaders and other senior figures.
A pro-Iranian group has claimed responsibility for some of the attacks.
Counter-terrorism police have made 15 arrests in connection with the incidents, including two teenagers detained overnight in relation to the latest Kenton attack.
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