Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the Government is taking to improve the (a) security and (b) funding for security at synagogues and Jewish schools.

During 1016-17 the Government provided a grant of £13.4m to support security measures for the Jewish Community. On 01 March I was pleased to announce a continuation of the grant at the same level for 2017-18.

The Jewish Community Protective Security Grant makes funding available to all Jewish free, state and independent schools, colleges and nurseries to employ security guards during operating hours. Grant funding is also used to improve security at many synagogues through the implementation of a range of solutions including guarding and physical measures. These funded security measures supplement existing site security arrangements and policing measures put in place following the increase in the national threat level in August 2014, and enhanced after the shocking events in Paris and Copenhagen, which has resulted in heightened police activity around Jewish sites.

The Government has also ensured locations such as synagogues and educational establishments have access to high-quality advice and guidance, provided by the police and others, so they know what further steps they can take to reduce vulnerability.

Public vigilance, the work of the police, and of the security and intelligence agencies all contribute to make our communities safer.