A number of senior politicians have joined thousands of people gathered outside Downing Street for a protest against antisemitism.
Organisers of the rally called on the British public to “face down extremists” after a series of arson attacks at Jewish sites in London, as well as a double stabbing in Golders Green that is being treated as an act of terrorism.
Politicians from a number of political parties took the stage to speak to the rally in London, where they were met with a mixed reception.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition, was met with raucous applause and cheers, while cabinet minister Pat McFadden was jeered and booed as he spoke on stage.
The chief rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, also spoke at the event, telling the crowd it is “unacceptable that poisonous antisemitism has become normalised in the UK”.
Protesters shouted “shame”, “it’s your party’s fault” and “when will you act” at Mr McFadden, while some held signs saying “British Jews deserve better”, “where is Keir” and “Brits against antisemitism”.
“I come to speak for something, for the freedom, for the freedom that marks us out as a great country,” Mr McFadden said.
As his voice was drowned out by the boos, he added: “Friends, I hear you, I am with you, I am here to fight antisemitism.”
Meanwhile, Mrs Badenoch was cheered as she delivered a speech at the protest organised by the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
“There are many, many different pockets of antisemitism in this country, but I am most worried about the growth of extremism and terror around the world and how it targets many groups in this country,” she said.
“Britain has been a sanctuary for Jewish people, and it must always be a sanctuary for Jewish people.”
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, was also met with applause and praise as he told the rally: “The scourge of antisemitism has been allowed to flourish in our beloved country, and we have to say we are sick and tired of warm words from waffly politicians.”
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, went on stage to some jeers, but the MC of the event told the audience he was here as a friend, and the boos stopped.
Strict security measures were in place, with attendees going through airport-style security at the Trafalgar Square entrance to Whitehall before joining the rally.
Following a knife attack in Golders Green, the UK terrorism threat level was raised to “severe” by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, meaning a terror attack is “highly likely”.
The Metropolitan Police announced this week a community protection team of 100 extra officers to help safeguard the Jewish community, despite Sir Mark Rowley’s previous call for 300 extra police officers.
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner warned of a growing “pandemic” of antisemitism in the UK and said he is “very concerned” about the sustainability of the force’s current approach to protecting Jewish communities in the capital.
