‘Zionist’ Mirren incident an attack on British values, warns Dowden
Hertsmere MP calls for MPs to 'treat such assaults with the utmost seriousness'
An incident in which actress Helen Mirren was labelled a “Zionist bitch” by a pro-Palestine supporter was an attack not only on the her but on “our shared values in this place of freedom of speech and freedom of expression,” Tory ex-minister Oliver Dowden has warned.
Speaking during a debate on extremism in the House of Commons, the Hertsmere MP noted that Mirren, accompanied by her husband Taylor Hackford at the time, chose not to press charges after discussing the matter with police.
However, Dowden emphasised, “The police should treat such assaults with the utmost seriousness.”
Security Minister Dan Jarvis responded by acknowledging the “important point” Letwin had raised.
Jarvis said he was “shocked, but not surprised” after viewing footage of the incident, which was posted online.
He agreed that “the police have got an important job to do in terms of cracking down on this activity,” and assured MPs, “Let me give him an absolute assurance of the priority this government attaches to antisemitism—we will do everything we can to stand against it.”
Earlier, during Home Office Questions, Jewish Labour MP Damian Egan expressed concern about the rise of extremism across the political spectrum, as well as the threat posed by Islamist extremism.
He urged the government to recognise extremism and social cohesion “as a first-tier national security priority.” Jarvis confirmed that this was “a priority area” for the government, adding that while there is no specific offence of extremism, police have a range of tools and powers to counter extremist activity.
The incident involving Dame Helen, 80, and her husband, 81, occurred last year. Scotland Yard initially treated it as a possible hate crime but, after speaking to Dame Helen and Hackford, decided not to open a formal investigation and has since closed the case.
Footage shows Dame Helen greeting her accuser with a smile and asking if he is “OK” as he approaches filming.
The man then launches into an abusive tirade, accusing her of supporting Israel and making disparaging remarks about Palestinians, ultimately calling her “an evil Zionist bitch” and directing further abuse at Hackford.
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