Theresa May: ‘More effort needed to wipe-out anti-Semitism’

Theresa May said she never thought she would see the day when Jews living in Britain would say they were fearful of remaining in the country.

Speaking at an event to commemorate the Jewish people who died during the terror attacks in France, Mrs May said: “The dreadful events in Paris are a reminder of the serious terrorist threat that we face.

Read: Jewish groups and police 'face heightened terror threat'

“The attack on a Jewish supermarket, where four people were killed, is a chilling reminder of anti-Semitism, not just in France but the recent anti-Semitic prejudice that we sadly have seen in this country.

We must all redouble our efforts to wipe out anti-Semitism here in the United Kingdom. Theresa May

“I know that many Jewish people in this country are feeling vulnerable and fearful and you’re saying that you’re anxious for your families, for your children and yourselves.

“I never thought I would see the day when members of the Jewish community in the United Kingdom would say they were fearful of remaining here in the United Kingdom.

“And that means we must all redouble our efforts to wipe out anti-Semitism here in the United Kingdom.”

‘Cancerous anti-Semitism’

Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, said that the UK “will stand shoulder to shoulder” with Jewish communities.

He said he considered anti-Semitism to be a “cancer”, saying: “Occasionally we are in remission from that cancer of anti-Semitism but without constant bridges, without constant health checks, it comes back.”

Mr Pickles criticised a reporter for approaching a Jewish woman on the topic of Israeli foreign policies during the Paris atrocities, saying: “As if every Jewish person is responsible for what the Israeli government does. I just thought it was utterly evil that should occur.”

Commenting on Liberal Democrat leader’s rejection of increased ‘snooping powers’, Mr Pickles told Channel 4 News: “I’m sure Nick (Clegg’s) a reasonable guy, I’m sure he will be listening carefully to what people involved in security are saying.”

‘Snooper’s charter’

In the wake of the attacks, UK’s anti-terror laws surrounding the internet has come under intense scrutiny. Former MI5 chief, Lord Evans of Weardale, said yesterday that they laws were “no longer fit for purpose”.

Writing in The Telegraph, Lord Evans said: “A government that does not maintain strong security against the threats its people face is failing in its duty.

If nothing is done, things will not stand still – they will get worse. Lord Evans

“Technological changes mean that it is much harder than it was a decade ago for the police or security agencies to find out what terrorists or criminals are saying among themselves.

“The legal powers under which the police and security agencies access communications for intelligence or evidential purposes have become outdated.

“It is imperative that the laws that govern this issue be brought up to date. If nothing is done, things will not stand still – they will get worse.”

Deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, who has so far been unconvinced by the proposals, told Sky’s Murnaghan programme: “I agree with Jonathan Evans, when he says we need to update the legislation and rules, to make sure we keep up with technological change and we go after those people, so there’s no hiding place for those people who would do us harm. But that is one thing.

“Storing data about the millions, millions and millions of fellow British citizens who are innocent of any wrongdoing at all, seems to me to be something quite different.”

‘No decisions made yet’

The Metropolitan Police Service released a statement today, responding to how police officers will be protected in the current climate. According to the body, the MPS will not implement a “blanket response” regarding levels of patrolling.

The body said: “No decision has been taken to move automatically to having two officers or more in every vehicle. No decision has been taken to end single patrolling.

“Instead, senior officers across London have reviewed and will continue to review procedures as part of our established risk assessment process.

“Our experience of policing London and the UK tells us that our key focus should be on how to prevent attacks. The best way to do this is to engage even more widely with our communities to encourage them to pass on information about individuals who may be behaving in an unusual way or anything they have seen that might give rise for concern.”