Starmer calls antisemitism ‘crisis for all of us’ ahead of Downing Street summit

Keir Starmer opened a Downing Street forum on antisemitism on May 5, saying attacks on British Jews are "a crisis for all of us" and a test of national values.

The meeting brought together ministers, police, Jewish community representatives and leaders from across public life as the government pushed for a whole-of-society response. Downing Street had announced the summit a day earlier.

In remarks reported by ITV, Starmer also warned that attempts by foreign actors to stir violence and hatred in the UK would not be tolerated if proven. The government has not publicly substantiated that claim in the material reviewed, but it was part of the tone of the meeting.

AP reported that the summit came amid a rise in antisemitic incidents and recent attacks in London, including a suspected arson attack at a former synagogue. The government says the response needs to involve schools, universities, councils, cultural institutions and the police, not just ministers.

The immediate question is what concrete measures will follow the forum. The official material reviewed points to a broader campaign, but not yet to a single new policy announcement beyond the summit itself.