The British government has announced a security package worth more than £250 million to enhance police protection for the Jewish community following a series of antisemitic attacks across the country.
The funding, unveiled on Monday, will support the deployment of more than 500 police officers in areas with large Jewish populations, including 300 officers in London.
The package will also finance increased police patrols around synagogues and Jewish schools, as well as the deployment of additional plain-clothed officers to improve public safety.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said tackling antisemitism has remained a key priority of his administration, describing the rise in anti-Jewish hate as a challenge to the country’s values.
The three-year initiative will also include funding for educational programmes aimed at combating antisemitism and promoting community awareness.
Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Matt Jukes, said Jewish communities continue to face heightened threats from hate crimes, terrorism and hostile state activities.
The announcement follows a series of attacks targeting Jewish communities in recent months, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in London’s Golders Green district in April, which police classified as a terrorist incident.
Authorities also recorded arson and attempted arson attacks on Jewish sites, including synagogues, prompting heightened security measures.
As part of the new package, £59 million has been allocated to Britain’s counter-terrorism policing units to strengthen national security and improve responses to threats linked to hostile states.
The Metropolitan Police had earlier established a dedicated unit to protect Jewish communities following the increase in antisemitic incidents.
