UK allocates £250m for policing in Jewish communities

The UK government is allocating more than £250 million to bolster policing within Jewish communities, aiming to ensure residents can practice their faith without fear. This significant investment, spread over the next three years, will lead to a noticeable increase in police presence, including more patrols and enhanced security measures outside synagogues and schools.

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The rise in antisemitism we have seen in recent years is a test of our values as a country and tackling it has been central to my leadership from day one.

The initiative comes in response to a documented rise in antisemitic hate crimes. Recent incidents include the stabbing of two Jewish men in London and an arson attack at a former synagogue. The national terror threat level was raised in April, highlighting the security concerns. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that tackling antisemitism has been a core priority of his leadership.

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That is why earlier this year, I brought together leaders from business, education, health, policing and civil society at Downing Street to drive a co-ordinated response across every corner of our society.

The funding package will support various efforts, including the deployment of over 500 additional police officers across England and Wales. London will see approximately 300 new officers, with around 80 designated for Greater Manchester and additional officers for other areas with significant Jewish populations. The program will also continue Project Servator, utilizing specialist and plain-clothes officers trained to detect and prevent serious crime.

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We have also taken action across government to protect Jewish communities, tackle antisemitism in schools, universities and public services and strengthen our response to extremism and hate, including online.

This investment is described as a 'step-change in protection.' It builds upon existing government actions to protect Jewish communities, combat antisemitism in educational institutions and public services, and strengthen responses to extremism, both online and offline. Specific allocations include over £22 million for Greater Manchester Police and around £43 million distributed among seven other police force areas with substantial Jewish communities. The Metropolitan Police will receive an additional £86 million.

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Today's funding builds on that work – delivering a step-change in protection and policing so Jewish communities can live and celebrate their faith free from fear.