Two candidates for PM tell Jewish News: we will fight Jew hate

The two candidates to reach the final stage of the Conservative leadership contest have vowed to do more to tackle rising cases of antisemitism if they become prime minister.

Writing exclusively for Jewish News, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss said they were concerned about incidents of hatred against Jews in Britain and promised action if they are elected leader in September.

Sunak and Truss are beginning a six-week campaign to win the support of Conservative Party members after receiving 137 and 113 votes respectively in Wednesday’s final vote by Tory MPs.

Penny Mordaunt, who got 105 votes, was eliminated.

In her Jewish News column: Liz Truss said she would be the British Jewish community’s “strongest champion”, and said she recognised many felt it was too difficult to prosecute antisemitic actions.

She wrote: “I know many in the Jewish community feel that the bar is too high for bring forward convictions for antisemitism.

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“I have been vigilant in calling out the appalling attacks on the Jewish community, such as the act of terrorism at a synagogue in Texas.

“I will double down in my determination to stamp out antisemitism and hate around the world.

“As Prime Minister I will do everything in my power to ensure that those spewing clear Jew hatred will be prosecuted quickly within the full force of the law.”

Sunak wrote: “Whenever I visit my Temple I do not have to be concerned about abuse being directed at me or be worried for my safety.

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“For Jewish communities across the UK, that is not always the case.

“This should concern everyone in our country and motivate us all to do more.

“It is a sobering thought that security guards are required outside synagogues and faith schools, or that Jewish children are sometimes abused as they walk home from school.”