Cops told to throw book at anti-Israel protesters amid fears thousands are set to descend on UK streets this weekend
COPS were today given new guidance on how to police anti-Israel protests – amid fears thousands are plotting to descend on Whitehall this weekend.
This morning the PM summoned police chiefs to No10 as he ordered £3 million of emergency funding to protect Jewish schools and synagogues in Britain.
Mr Sunak told cops they have his full backing to throw the book at anyone glorifying terrorism – amid a 400 per cent increase in antisemitic attacks last week.
It comes as two Jewish primary schools in London will close to staff and students tomorrow amid major security fears.
Torah Vodaas Primary School in Edgware and Ateres Beis Yaakov Primary School in Colindale said the decision was “in the interests of the safety of our precious children”.
The growing concern came as the founder of terror group Hamas called for Friday to be a global day of rage against supporters of Israel wherever they are in the world.
Evil Khalid Mashal called for a global Jihad on Jews worldwide on October 13, as well as an “invasion” of the stricken Middle Eastern state.
The PM warned last week’s attack in Israel was now the third worst terror atrocity since the 1970s, and the backlash risks spilling onto the streets of Britain.
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Today’s announcement brings the total funding for Jewish Community Protection Security grant to £18 million for 2023-24.
The Community Security Trust (CST) works closely with the police to secure Jewish community buildings and events.
CST representatives met with cops and the Home Secretary this morning – after 139 anti semitic attacks occurred in the UK in just five days.
Speaking after the event, Mr Sunak said: “At moments like this, when the Jewish people are under attack in their homeland, Jewish people everywhere can feel less safe.
“That is why we must do everything in our power to protect Jewish people everywhere in our country. If anything is standing in the way of keeping the Jewish community safe, we will fix it. You have our complete backing.”
The Home Secretary, Attorney General and Policing Minister also drew up new guidance for “provocative protests” by pro-Palestine and Hamas supporting protesters.
Last night No10 said: “Reflecting on the distressing scenes we have seen both online and on Britain’s streets in the past week, the Prime Minister asked police chiefs to ensure a consistent and clear approach is taken to tackling hate crime, policing protests and protecting Jewish communities.
“He stressed that the police have the Government’s total backing in ensuring that any glorification of terrorism is met with the full force of the law.”
The Home Secretary, Attorney General and Policing Minister also drew up new guidance for “provocative protests” by pro-palestine and Hamas supporting protesters.
Last night No10 said: “Reflecting on the distressing scenes we have seen both online and on Britain’s streets in the past week, the Prime Minister asked police chiefs to ensure a consistent and clear approach is taken to tackling hate crime, policing protests and protecting Jewish communities.
“He stressed that the police have the Government’s total backing in ensuring that any glorification of terrorism is met with the full force of the law.”
The College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council will brief all police commanders clarifying over antisemitic chanting and use of face coverings at any protests this weekend.
Suella Braverman asked the police chiefs to use their existing powers to prevent any protests blocking access to Jewish community building – or Israel’s embassy in Kensington, West London.
She said: “This terrorism is an attack on all of our values. Whenever Israel is attacked, people use legitimate Israeli defensive measures as an excuse to stir up hatred against British Jews. The UK stands unequivocally with Israel.
“I have been clear with police chiefs in England and Wales that there can be zero tolerance for antisemitism, and that they should act immediately to crackdown on any criminality – both in our streets and online.
Chief Executive of the CST, Mark Gardner added: “We are grateful to the Government for providing extra funding for security guards at Jewish community buildings, following the horrific Hamas terror attack on Israel.”
It comes as tomorrow Jewish schools in Amsterdam will shut amid safety fears.
And in Britain Education Secretary Gillian Keegan read the riot act to university chancellors amid shocking surges in antisemitic abuses across UK universities.
In a letter to higher education chiefs she said: “We would ask that you act quickly and appropriately if you become aware of any antisemitic abuse, harassment or discrimination.
“We would also ask that you pay particular attention to any invitations issued by staff or students at your institution to speakers on this subject in order to ensure that any such events do not provide a platform for illegal speech.”
Today fury continued to grow at the BBC refusing to label Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Noah Abrahams, a 22-year-old Jewish sports reporter with the broadcaster quit his job over the issue.
He told TalkTV: “I’ve just made a really monumental career and life decision.
“I have morals and I stick by them.
“I think the BBC’s refusal to use the correct terminology is unjustifiable.”
Meanwhile, earlier today in Buckingham Palace King Charles met with the UK’s Chief Rabbi to offer support and solidarity.
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The pair discussed ways to support interfaith harmony in the UK and the continued hope that a path to peace can be found internationally.
The Chief Rabbi also met with Labour boss Sir Keir Starmer, who offered his “unwavering support to the Jewish community in the United Kingdom and the State of Israel”.