Antisemitic Attacks

Mark Sewards Excerpts

Monday 20th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Jarvis]

The hon. Gentleman makes an entirely reasonable point. Before I come to the substance of his question, I reiterate our commitment to ensuring that no state, regardless of who it is, is able to target people in this country, whether that is members of Jewish communities, as in this case, or Iranian dissidents. I can assure him that a huge amount of work is under way to ensure that cannot happen.

The hon. Gentleman made an entirely reasonable point about ensuring that the Metropolitan police have the resources they need to do a very difficult job at a point of challenge. As he would expect, I have been in regular contact with the police over the course of this weekend, and, as I mentioned earlier, I met with Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes this morning to discuss what further support we can provide. The hon. Gentleman’s question about assistance from other forces is interesting—clearly, that will be for the Met to determine. However, I can say to him that we will work very closely to ensure that the police have the resources they require.

[Mark Sewards (Leeds South West and Morley) (Lab)]

Tonight, a “Panorama” documentary will air featuring members of the Jewish community talking about the existential fear that they feel in this country and about wanting to leave. I urge all hon. Members to watch it when they can.

We know that an IRGC-linked group has claimed responsibility for some of the recent firebombing attacks. I appreciate that the Minister does not want to comment on active police investigations, but whatever the facts of those cases, we can all agree—I am sure he does too—that the Iranian regime poses a threat to the British-Jewish community. Can he set out exactly when the Jonathan Hall recommendations will be implemented? Will he commit to implementing them in full?

[Dan Jarvis]

I know that my hon. Friend will understand that it is not for me as the Security Minister to set out future parliamentary business—I would get into quite a lot of trouble with the Leader of the House, and no doubt others. My hon. Friend will have heard, however, the commitments made by the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, the Foreign Secretary and me. We have accepted Mr Hall’s recommendations. He delivered an important piece of work at the Government’s behest and we will move at pace to make good on those commitments. My hon. Friend and the House should understand, however, that we will not wait to take the necessary actions to keep the public safe.