Sir Keir Starmer has voiced “increasing concern” over the use of proxies by foreign states for criminal activities within the UK following his visit to a London synagogue which had been subjected to an arson attack.
The Prime Minister visited Kenton United Synagogue in Harrow, north-west London, which was attacked on Saturday.
This incident is one of a series of arson attacks on Jewish community sites across the capital.
Since late March, other targets have included Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, another synagogue, and a former Jewish charity.
A drone was also flown near the Israeli embassy during this period.
Speaking at the Kenton United Synagogue on Thursday afternoon, the Prime Minister said: “We have to deal with malign state actors, that will require legislation.
“We’re going to bring that legislation forward. It’s really important we do that. It’s very important this particular context because I’m increasingly concerned that a number of countries are using proxies for attacks in this country.
“It’s very, very important that the counter terrorism police, and the police are working with CST together on this, but on both fronts, we need to move forward.”
On Tuesday, a 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty to the attack in Harrow, admitting arson not endangering life at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The teenager, a British national from Brent, north-west London, has not been named because of his age.
Footage was posted online appearing to show a figure in dark clothing setting light to a bottle of liquid and throwing it through a window at the synagogue.
Jewish charity the Community Security Trust said minor smoke damage to an internal room was caused, but there were no injuries or significant structural damage.
The defendant was released on bail and is due to appear at Willesden Youth Court on June 4.
A 19-year-old man who was also arrested after the attack has been released on bail pending further inquiries, the Metropolitan Police said.
More to follow…
