Tackling Antisemitism: National Security Adviser
Debate between Lord Bishop of Norwich and Baroness Twycross(2 weeks, 6 days ago)
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Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I respect the noble Lord’s views. This Government will look at where the antisemitism is coming from and how best we can tackle it. I would say that we can best tackle it with a cross-government approach, but we also definitely need a cross-party approach to tackling the scourge of antisemitism.
The Lord Bishop of Norwich
My Lords, like many on these Benches, I am deeply concerned by the rise of antisemitism, hate crime and violence in this country. Following the publication of MI5’s recent domestic threat update, it was deeply concerning to hear that the security services have dealt with so many individuals seeking to carry out attacks against synagogues, mosques and other faith buildings. I thank His Majesty’s Government for the places of worship protective security scheme. However, has any assessment been made by His Majesty’s Government of whether this provision is enough, given the current level of threat?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
We will always look at what more we need to do. As the right reverend Prelate will be aware, the Home Office is committing a considerable amount of money to the Jewish community protective security fund. We are clear that we need to follow what the noble Lord, Lord Macdonald, said and review public order and hate crime legislation to make sure that we both protect but also prosecute where appropriate.
Museums and Galleries: Admission Charges for Non-UK Residents
Debate between Lord Bishop of Norwich and Baroness Twycross
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I agree with the caution that the noble Lord expressed. We would have to consider a whole range of issues. This is not to say that we are not always looking at how we can bring more funding into the sector, but anything we do needs to be measured against the disbenefit of any action we might propose.
The Lord Bishop of Norwich
My Lords, this nation’s cathedrals, while not museums, are among the gems of our heritage—treasure troves of memory, architectural masterpieces, and places where prayer has been valid for centuries. The majority do not charge anyone for entry, because they believe in a theological principle that places of prayer should be free for all. Will the Minister confirm that, when cathedrals that do not charge an entry fee apply for grants from public money, His Majesty’s Government will not penalise them?