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'Everyone has a duty' to tackle rising antisemitism, says Keir Starmer

The Labour leader also pledged to increase co-operation with the CST if his party wins next year's general election

September 11, 2023 12:30
Sir Keir Starmer
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 8: Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party of the United Kingdom talks with others in the meeting on September 8, 2023 in London, England. Labour's six Metro Mayors and the Leader of the Labour Party met with candidates Richard Parker (West Mids) and Claire Ward (East Mids) ahead of Midlands Mayoral Elections due to take place next May. (Photo by Belinda Jiao/Getty Images)
2 min read

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken of the need to “ramp up” work to combat antisemitic hate crimes in the UK.

The Labour leader reaffirmed his commitment to tackling anti-Jewish hatred while pledging to increase co-operation with the Community Security Trust (CST) and the government’s antisemitism adviser if his party wins next year’s general election.

Speaking during a visit to the Independent Jewish Day School in Hendon on Friday, Sir Keir praised the CST and Lord John Mann, stressing there should not be “any reduction” in engagement with either party under a Labour government.

His comments came after a CST report released in August showed a rise in anti-Jewish hate over the last ten years. Figures showed 223 incidents were recorded by the CST in the first half of 2013 compared with 803 in the first half of this year, though the true number is likely to be much higher.