Joint Statement from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police
We begin by acknowledging the horrific terrorist attack in Australia, where Jews were deliberately targeted whilst enjoying the Hanukkah celebrations. Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, their families and those injured. Coming so soon after the Heaton Park Synagogue attack in Manchester and amid rising antisemitism globally, this is deeply alarming. Jewish communities across London, Greater Manchester, and the rest of the United Kingdom are already worried and scared - and this only adds to it.
Antisemitic hate crime has surged, protests have intensified, and online abuse has grown since 2023. These trends create real fear and disrupt daily life – and have an impact on how safe the Jewish community feel when attending synagogues and other communal spaces. Jewish children attend schools behind fences, guarded by security and routine police patrols. No community should have to live like this. That must change.
The two recent terror attacks targeting Jews, the increased fear in Jewish communities, and high number of terrorist attacks disrupted in recent years requires an enhanced response. Current laws are inadequate, and we welcome the fact that the Home Secretary has asked Lord Ken Macdonald KC to review the current public order and hate crime legislation.
The words and chants used, especially in protests, matter and have real world consequences. We have consistently been advised by the CPS that many of the phrases causing fear in Jewish communities don’t meet prosecution thresholds. Now, in the escalating threat context, we will recalibrate to be more assertive.
We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as “globalise the intifada” and those using it at future protest or in a targeted way should expect the Met and GMP to take action. Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed - words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests.
Frontline officers will be briefed on this enhanced approach. We will also use powers under the Public Order Act, including conditions around London synagogues during services.
Visible patrols and protective security measures around synagogues, schools, and community venues have been stepped up in London and Greater Manchester. We are intensifying investigations into hate crime, and Counter Terrorism Policing continues to operate 24/7 to identify and disrupt threats.
These measures are practical and immediate - designed to keep communities safe, deter intimidation, and enforce the law. Our intent is clear: create a hostile environment for offenders and a safer environment for Jewish communities, while protecting lawful protest. All members of society have a responsibility to consider their impact on others – it is possible to protest in support of Palestinian people without intimidating Jewish communities or breaking the law.
We want you to hear this clearly: we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. Your safety and wellbeing matter to all of us. Please keep talking to us and to each other; report incidents promptly; and make use of our dedicated neighbourhood teams.
Hanukkah reminds us that light endures, even in the darkest times. We will continue to work night and day to keep you safe.