The Prime Minister’s Office announced a £25 million funding package alongside new legislative and institutional measures to tackle antisemitism across the UK, during remarks by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a Downing Street forum on 5 May 2026.
The announcement was delivered at a No10 Tackling Antisemitism Forum held in London, bringing together stakeholders to address rising incidents affecting Jewish communities. The measures form part of a broader government response to recent attacks and increasing reports of antisemitic behaviour across the country.
The government outlined a coordinated national approach combining immediate security interventions with longer-term policy reforms. This includes funding for policing, institutional oversight, and new expectations across education, cultural sectors, and public services.
Government response to rising antisemitism
The Prime Minister described antisemitism as a growing national concern, citing recent incidents and the impact on Jewish communities across the UK. He framed the issue as a broader societal challenge requiring action beyond government alone.
Security funding and immediate protection measures
The government confirmed additional funding to strengthen security arrangements for Jewish communities, focusing on prevention and visible protection. Measures include increased police presence and targeted deployment of specialist officers.
- Police patrols: Expanded presence in areas with heightened risk to deter incidents
- Community protection: Enhanced security at synagogues, schools and community centres
- Specialist officers: Deployment of plain-clothes and trained personnel to prevent harm
Legislative and enforcement actions
New legislative steps are being fast tracked to address extremism and external threats linked to antisemitic activity. The government also signalled enforcement consequences where foreign involvement is identified.
- Legislation: Accelerated legal measures targeting malign influence and extremist activity
- Border controls: Powers to prevent entry of individuals promoting hatred
- Justice response: Faster sentencing processes to strengthen deterrence
Security and Enforcement Measures
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Funding allocation | £25 million announced | Additional resources to strengthen community protection and policing |
| Police deployment | Increased presence | Targeted patrols and specialist officers introduced in affected areas |
| Legislative action | Fast tracked | New measures aimed at tackling extremism and external threats |
National strategy to counter extremism
A coordinated national plan has been introduced to address antisemitism across different forms of extremism. The approach aims to move beyond isolated interventions towards sustained nationwide action.
Education, health and institutional reforms
The government has commissioned reviews into antisemitism within education and health services, alongside new training initiatives. Funding is also being directed to strengthen education programmes and awareness.
Institutional Reform Areas
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Education funding | £7 million investment | Support for tackling antisemitism in schools and universities |
| Training rollout | Expanded across NHS | Staff training introduced to address antisemitism in healthcare settings |
| Independent reviews | Commissioned | Assessments into antisemitism in public services and institutions |
University and cultural sector accountability measures
Universities are expected to publish data on antisemitism and demonstrate actions taken in response. Cultural institutions receiving public funding are subject to increased oversight where antisemitism is identified.
Ministerial Comments
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister said;
“It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them.”
“Because stopping antisemitism is not someone else’s responsibility. It is all of ours.”
The government has set out a coordinated programme combining funding, legislation and institutional reform to address antisemitism across the UK. The measures focus on immediate protection alongside longer-term systemic changes in education, enforcement and public accountability.
The approach places responsibility across government, institutions and wider society to respond to rising incidents and strengthen protections for affected communities.
Sources: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
