Protesters have heckled the prime minister as he arrived in Golders Green following an alleged terrorist attack in which two Jewish men were stabbed.
Dozens of people chanted “Keir Starmer, Jew harmer” and “Keir Starmer is a traitor”.
Sir Keir was set to meet first responders whose ambulances were targeted in an arson attack last month.
The prime minister and government have come in for fierce criticism over their response to antisemitic attacks by critics saying not enough has been done to protect the Jewish community. Jewish leaders warn antisemitism is becoming normalised.
Police revealed the 45-year-old suspect had in 2020 been reported to the counter-extremism programme, Prevent.
The Met say he was a British national born in Somalia who had a “history of serious violence and mental health issues”.
The government says an additional £25m will be invested in police patrols and security to keep Jewish communities safe. It says legislation will be fast-tracked to target those acting on behalf of state-sponsored groups.
Read MoreGovernment announces £25m funding for Jewish community security after Golders Green attack
Starmer told to tackle ‘pandemic’ of antisemitism after two Jewish men stabbed in terror attack
Dramatic bodycam shows moment police taser Golders Green terror attack suspect
Key Points
- Demonstrators in Jewish area heckle prime minister
- Suspect had previously been reported to Prevent counter-extremism programme
- Justice system must respond in 'swift, agile and visible way', PM says
- Double stabbing: What happened and who is the suspect?
- Watch: How terror attack unfolded
- Golders Green victim 'holds government responsible'
- 'My son was targeted because of how he was dressed,' victim's dad says
UK could ban Iranian military IRGC group, home secretary hints
14:15 , Jane DaltonThe home secretary has signalled she will consider banning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an Iranian military group.
Ministers say new laws cracking down on people and organisations acting on behalf of “malign state-sponsored groups” will also be fast-tracked in the coming weeks.
Shabana Mahmood said she would be looking at “all organisations that would then fall within the purview” of the legislation.
“Just to reassure you, the only reason I’m not giving a wider commentary on who this will include is because we would never give any commentary on organisations that we are considering for either our proscription regime … or indeed, this new regime,” she told Sky News.
“I expect to be making decisions in the very near future about the groups that we will be designating as state-linked.”
PM and home secretary discuss attack with Jewish leaders
14:11 , Jane DaltonSir Keir Starmer held a roundtable with first responders and leaders from the Hatzola ambulance service as well as Shomrim, a volunteer Jewish security group.
He was joined by home secretary Shabana Mahmood and Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, as well Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
Speaking to one of the volunteers, Ms Mahmood said: “Keeping the community safe, running to towards risk is sadly necessary.”
A timeline of recent attacks on the UK’s Jewish community as man arrested over Golders Green stabbing
14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Commonwealth’s chief rabbi and Israel’s foreign ministry are calling for action after a series of incidents targeting the Jewish community in the UK.
Sir Ephraim Mirvis said “words of condemnation are no longer sufficient” after two Jewish men were stabbed in London’s Golders Green on Wednesday.
The Israeli foreign ministry, meanwhile, said the recent spate of attacks on Jewish areas means “the UK Government can no longer claim this is under control”.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over the Golders Green stabbings and counterterror police have launched an investigation.
Here is a look at the attacks on Jewish sites in the UK in the past months:
Golders Green stabbings: What happened and who is the suspect?
Watch: Starmer heckled at Golders Green
13:38 , Jane DaltonWatch: How Golders Green terrorist attack unfolded
13:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneStarmer heckled in Golders Green
13:18 , Jane DaltonDemonstrators heckled the prime minister as he arrived at a Jewish community ambulance centre in Golders Green.
A group of around 100 people could be heard chanting “Keir Starmer, Jew harmer” and held posters with the same slogan.
They also chanted “Keir Starmer is a traitor” as well as “show your face”.
Sir Keir was due to meet first responders from Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer group whose ambulances were targeted in an arson attack last month.
Zack Polanski accuses ‘authoritarian’ Labour of ‘using Jewish pain’ to consider ban on marches
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneZack Polanski has accused Labour of “using Jewish pain” to justify an “authoritarian” agenda in considering banning pro-Palestinian marches after the Golders Green attack.
The Green Party leader, who is the only current Jewish leader of a major political party in the UK, hit out at home secretary Shabana Mahmood as she hinted at using new powers for a crackdown on marches protesting against Israel.
There are growing calls for tougher action against antisemitism, including from Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, in the wake of the attack.
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Polanski accuses ‘authoritarian’ Labour of ‘using Jewish pain’ to ban marches
'My son was targeted because of how he was dressed,' victim's dad says
13:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDan Haygarth reports from Golders Green:
The father of one of the victims of the double stabbing in Golders Green has said his son was “obviously targeted” because of how he was dressed.
Speaking to The Independent, Shloime Rand’s father urged Sir Keir Starmer to take action, saying “it could be this one story” that will change things for Jewish communities in the UK.
“It's obvious [that he was targeted because of how he was dressed], because [the suspect] was targeting... he was going through a lot of people and he only targeted three,” Mr Rand’s father, who did not give his name, said.
“All the three he targeted were Jewish people. So obviously he knew who he was going for and but didn't know who they are [personally], so it's just obviously, that's why he went for those [their clothes].
He described his son as a “good fellow” and said it happened because “he was dressed the way he was dressed and because he is a Jew”.
Asked what the government could do to tackle antisemitism he said: “I think he [Keir Starmer] can help, but I don't know if he will help because he already spoke quite a lot of times in the last few years and hasn't done anything.
“So I'm sure he can, yeah, obviously he can. The prime minister, I hope he can. If he will, well, until today he hasn't shown anything. So it could be this one story will change the matter, it could be, we don't know.”
Golders Green stabbings: What happened and who is the suspect?
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice declared a terrorist incident after two Jewish men were stabbed on a street in Golders Green in north London.
Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, have been named as the two victims in the attack, which took place on Wednesday morning.
A 45-year-old man, identified as a British national who was born in Somalia, is in custody after he was tasered by police. His name has not yet been released.
You can read all you need to know below:
Golders Green stabbings: What happened and who is the suspect?
In pictures: Protesters rally against Starmer at scene of stabbing
12:50 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Suspect was referred to Prevent in 2020, Met Police confirm
12:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn a statement, the Metropolitan Police said the suspect in the double stabbing attack in Golders Green was referred to the government’s Prevent counter-extremism programme in 2020.
The Met said: “We can confirm the suspect was known to the Prevent programme and was subject to a Prevent referral in 2020, which was closed in the same year.
“Given the investigation remains ongoing, we will not be providing any further information in respect of this matter at this time and we remain focused on securing justice for the victims of this attack.”
Suspect had previously been reported to Prevent counter-extremism programme, reports say
12:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe man suspected of carrying out a double stabbing in Golders Green on Wednesday had previously been reported to the UK’s counter-extremism programme, it has been reported.
The BBC has said it understands the 45-year-old suspect had been referred to Prevent, a key counter-terror programme which places a legal duty on public bodies to identify people who may turn to extremism.
The Home Office has declined to confirm the reports.
Govt must take tougher action on pro-Palestine marches, Farage says
12:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigel Farage also called on the prime minister to take tougher action on pro-Palestine marches.
Speaking to reporters in Golders Green on Thursday, the Reform UK leader said: “I’m afraid we have allowed marches to take place, with chants being heard over the streets of London and other cities.
“We’ve not acted and the government has been weak, weak, weak on all of this.
“I’m not pretending we can reverse this tide of hatred overnight. We can’t. It’s here. It’s embedded.”
Pictured: Suspect appears to be holding knife as he walks away from attack
12:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA picture of the suspect behind an alleged terrorist attack in Golders Green appears to be holding a knife as he walks away from the scene, a picture shows.
The 45-year-old man is a British national who was born in Somalia and came to the UK in the 1990s, authorities said.
He has a history of serious violence and mental health issues, Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said in a statement at the scene.
Watch: Home Secretary says she will 'strain every sinew' to protect Jews after Golders Green terrorist incident
12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFarage calls on PM to proscribe IRGC and expel Iranian ambassador after attacks
11:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSpeaking to reporters in Golders Green, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the prime minister should expel the Iranian ambassador and proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorist organisations.
“We don’t do it because we keep on pandering, we keep on appeasing a certain section of the electorate,” he said.
“There were some basic suggestions that I’ve been making now for two or three years.”
Mr Farage said tougher action was needed following the Iranian embassy posting a message calling for expats to “sacrifice their lives for the homeland” on its Telegram channel.
He added: “Just a few days ago, a call (was made) that is literally a whisker away from advocating the setting up of a paramilitary organization within this country. What has happened thus far? Well, the ambassador has been summoned for a cup of tea.
“Frankly, if we mean it, we should expel the ambassador and say we will never have embassies in our country encouraging this kind of behaviour.”
Farage meets Holocaust survivor at Golders Green
11:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigel Farage met Holocaust survivor Susan Pollack, 95, who was interned in Auschwitz-Birkenau during the Second World War.
Asked about her thoughts on Wednesday’s stabbing after meeting the Reform UK leader in Golders Green on Thursday, Ms Pollack told the Press Association: “Well, I was extremely confused.
“I said, did they get the right information here in Britain, a peaceful country?
“I’ve been living here for many, many years, and I’ve made a huge… contribution to keep it safe.”
New law to ban state-backed groups reportedly will be included in King's Speech
11:28 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA new law promised by the government to ban state-backed groups will be fast-tracked and appear in the King’s Speech, it has been reported.
The plans are now understood to have been moved forward so they can be part of the speech on 13 May, according to Sky News.
It comes after the government said legislation will be fast-tracked in the coming weeks to target those acting on behalf of state-sponsored groups.
'An attack on our Jewish community is an attack on all of us,' PM says
11:24 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer said “an attack on our Jewish community is an attack on all of us”.
“What we saw last night was people being targeted because they are Jewish, I’m absolutely clear about that,” the prime minister said.
“There’s no getting away from the fact that this was not a one-off.
“This has been a series of attacks on our Jewish community, particularly in recent weeks, and there is a very deep sense of anxiety, of concern about security, about safety, about identity frankly.”
He continued that “we have to understand” the “visceral feeling” among many British Jews, “and we have to be really clear that an attack on our Jewish community is an attack on all of us and we have to approach it in that way.”
Sir Keir said solidarity with the Jewish community was often voiced after such attacks.
“We do stand with our Jewish community – of course we do – but it’s our fight as well. It’s the fight of everyone in this country.”
Men targeted because they are Jewish, PM says
11:13 , Nicole Wootton-Cane“What we saw last night was people being targeted because they are Jewish,” Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday.
“There is no getting away from the fact that this was not a one off,” he continued. “There is a very deep sense of concern about security, about safety, about identity, frankly.”
Justice system must respond in 'swift, agile and visible way', PM says
11:10 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the criminal justice system must respond to the suspected terrorist attack in Golders Green in “a swift, agile and visible way”, as he convened a meeting in Downing Street.
He added there was a “duty” on government and criminal justice agencies to quickly respond to the “appalling attacks”.
“Today is about part of the response which is really important, which is the criminal justice response, because a number of people have been arrested, a number of them go through the criminal justice system, and it’s really important that we are able collectively to demonstrate that the response will be swift and visible,” he told reporters.
He continued: “I do think there’s a wider duty on all of us in terms of confidence in the criminal justice system to be able to deal with appalling attacks like this, to show that it can act in a swift, agile and visible way.
“And I look forward to a discussion with you as to how we make that happen.”
Attendees included Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer, security minister Dan Jarvis, and Sarah Sackman, the justice minister who is Finchley and Golders Green MP.
PM to meet with criminal justice agencies in wake of Golders Green stabbing
11:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe prime minister is meeting with criminal justice agencies in Downing Street this morning in the wake of Wednesday’s stabbing.
It comes after the government said it will invest an additional £25 million to increase police patrols and security to keep Jewish communities safe.
It added legislation will be fast-tracked in the coming weeks to target those acting on behalf of state-sponsored groups.
The prime minister visited the scene in Golders Green on Wednesday, where he was heckled with chants of “shame on you”.
One of the victims has also blamed the government for “not doing enough” to protect Jewish communities in the UK.
Farage accuses PM of 'failing to act' as he visits scene
10:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigel Farage spoke to two Shomrim security officers as he arrived in Golders Green following the stabbing of two Jewish men in the street on Wednesday.
The Reform UK leader spoke to media at the scene on Thursday, accusing the prime minister of failing to act.
He said: “Prime Minister, frankly, we’ve seen no action of any kind.
“Suffice to say that this is not just an attack on Jewish people. This is much bigger, much broader, much more fundamental, and if you’re the group currently being targeted, well, who’s next?”
Community don't feel govt is doing enough to protect them, Badenoch says
10:43 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe community in Golders Green do not feel that the government is doing enough to protect Jewish people, Kemi Badenoch has said.
Speaking on BBC Radio London, the leader of the Conservatives said: “We do need to see an increased police presence.
“The government has said it’s giving money – I don’t know exactly what the money is for, I don’t know if that money is enough.
“I do know that Shomrim, that community group say that they have never had any money from government. They are having to look after themselves.
“We’re very lucky that there were police officers close by as well who supported them in apprehending the terrorists.
“But they were terrified and so are the men and women and the children, in fact, living in Barnet, but all over the country, people who look visibly Jewish, in particular, they’re terrified.”
In pictures: Nigel Farage visits scene in Golders Green
10:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Mystery of pop-up ‘terror group’ which claimed responsibility for Golders Green attacks
10:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOn Wednesday, a few hours after the horrific knife attack on two British Jewish men in Golders Green, north London, a video appeared on Telegram apparently from the group - called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI) - making an unsubstantiated claim of responsibility.
It follows a string of arson attacks around Europe that have been claimed by the group, whose name translates as the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right. But, unlike some of the previous claims that appeared to show footage taken by the perpetrators, Wednesday’s video used footage that was already in the public domain.
Experts think that HAYI, or people using their branding, are opportunistically claiming the terror attack that saw two men, aged 76 and 34, stabbed.
The Independent’s home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft has this report:
Mystery of pop-up ‘terror group’ who claimed responsibility for Golders Green attacks
Jewish communities feeling like just before Holocaust, senior figure says
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJewish people are experiencing something similar to what they felt just before the Holocaust following recent attacks, a Jewish Council of Scotland (JCoS) member has said.
She told BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast: “We’re concerned about walking the streets. Most of the people I know are not wearing any visible identity related to being Jewish. I know that some of the young men are not wearing their skull caps.
“I know many women are now hiding the Star of David, and it is very concerning. I’m also the chairman of a synagogue, and we’re quite concerned for our building and for what could happen in our neighbourhood.”
She added: “We’re afraid of physical violence, and we need to ensure that we can step up the security at any event, so we’re not publicising where many events are being held, and we’re doing things more privately than we were in the past.”
Dr Siegel said that antisemitism seems to be more prevalent now and compared it to the situation before the start of the Holocaust.
She said: “People should be allowed to practice their religion and to be the way they need to be in the way they want to be, freely, without concern.
“This is similar to what people felt just before the Holocaust.”
‘I wasn’t thinking when I tackled the Golders Green knifeman – I just knew I had to act’
10:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneYonathan Elkouby “didn’t think twice” and dropped everything to tackle the knifeman in Golders Green when his radio alerted him to the incident.
The 33-year-old has volunteered for Shomrim, a Jewish organisation that helps protect people from crime, for five years, and saidit isn’t the first time he has had a “knife in his face” amid a growing number of anti-semitic incidents.
The father-of-five, who was born and raised in Golders Green, always has his on-call radio with him so he can be there for his community.
Mr Elkouby recounted the incident to the Telegraph and said he leapt into his car as soon as the alert came through, but at the time, he wasn’t aware the attacker had stabbed people.
You can read the full report below:
‘I wasn’t thinking when I tackled Golders Green knifeman – I just knew I had to act’
UK's Jewish community at 'breaking point', govt adviser says
09:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK’s Jewish community is at “breaking point” following a series of antisemitic attacks, an independent government adviser has said.
Lord John Mann told Sky News that Jewish people in the country no longer feel they can live safely because "perception is reality, and the reality is that there's a danger there".
He said leaving the country where people have built their lives “takes time” but that he believes Jewish people will be fleeing.
“We're at the breaking point,” he said. "Not a breaking point where loads will go this week, next week.
"People aren't just going to come and up and go from where they've made their lives."
Antisemitism becoming ‘normalised’ in London, Jewish community leaders say after Golders Green attack
09:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJewish community leaders have warned the government that antisemitic behaviour is becoming “normalised” on London’s streets after two men were stabbed in a Jewish area of north London on Wednesday.
“We are allowing an atmosphere to prevail on our streets of London, which is making the Jews feel that this type of behaviour is becoming normalised,” Louise Jacobs, vice chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, told The Independent.
Ms Jacobs said the community was “grateful” to the government for giving the community more money to build walls at synagogues and schools, but warned it was a“sticking plaster” over what is a much bigger problem.
Antisemitism becoming ‘normalised’, Jewish leaders say after Golders Green attack
Victim's mother 'horrified this could happen on streets of London'
09:43 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe mother of one of the victims of the Golders Green stabbing has said she is “horrified” such an attack could take place on the streets of London.
Speaking to the BBC, Shloime Rand's mother said: "As a mother, I'm pretty horrified that these things could happen on the streets of London, in an innocent community where we try our best not to hurt anyone.
"Shloime was walking on the street minding his own business. I was able to see him yesterday. Thank God, he was conscious the whole time. We hope he will be home before Shabbat."
Mahmood: I am treating this as an emergency
09:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Shabana Mahmood has said she is treating the situation as an emergency after two men were stabbed in Golders Green on Wednesday.
Asked whether she thinks the situation is a national emergency, the home secretary told the BBC: "I think the phrase national emergency has particular connotations. It means that for a period, you change your your democracy, and you disapply some elements of our democratic system.
"I don't believe this is where we are today, but for me, this is an absolutely pressing priority. It is an emergency for me as home secretary to respond to because we have seen this spate of attacks, and I know we need to do more in order to secure the safety of our Jewish community."
Watch: Jewish buildings in UK are now ‘effectively compounds’, Golders Green rabbi says
09:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVictim 'hopes to be home by Friday', friend says
09:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA friend of Shloime Rand, named locally as one of the victims of Wednesday’s stabbing, has said the 34-year-old hopes to be home for Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest from Friday to Saturday.
They told the BBC Mr Rand is "a very nice, quiet, honest person" who was on his way to work before the attack.
Another man told the BBC the second victim, named locally as Moshe Shine, lives in Hendon and is originally from Prestwich, Greater Manchester.
'It's very frightening'
09:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA Jewish man who has lived in Golders Green for 43 years said he felt “just terrible” when he found out a man had been stabbed outside his house on Highbury Avenue.
Speaking to the Press Association on Thursday, Danny Grunfeld, 75, said: “It’s very frightening, a very precarious and dangerous situation.
“It’s not a pleasant situation when you feel any minute you’re getting out, your life is in danger.”
He added: “We look around all the time. It’s horrible. That’s the best word. It’s just a horrible situation. I go to synagogue. I’m frightened.”
Asked if he believes enough is being done to tackle antisemitism, Mr Grunfeld said: “I think the police are doing all they can and everything.
“But I think these, these marches that go on all the time, you never get these regular marches with other countries.
“The whole world seems to have an obsession with Israel and the Jewish people.”
Mahmood signals she is considering banning IRGC
09:08 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Shabana Mahmood signalled she would consider banning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an Iranian military group, as she faced questions about new laws being introduced.Legislation creating proscription-like powers to pursue people and organisations acting on behalf of malign state-sponsored groups will be “fast-tracked” in the coming weeks.
Speaking to broadcasters on Thursday morning, the home secretary said it would be inappropriate to confirm such a move before the laws are on the statute books, but that she would be looking at “all organisations that would then fall within the purview” of the legislation.
“Just to reassure you, the only reason I’m not giving a wider commentary on who this will include is because we would never give any commentary on organisations that we are considering for either our proscription regime… or indeed, this new regime,” she told Sky News.
“I expect to be making decisions in the very near future about the groups that we will be designating as state-linked.”
Starmer’s words on antisemitism ‘not enough’ after Golders Green attack, Netanyahu says
09:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIsraeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu has hit out at Sir Keir Starmer’s efforts to tackle antisemitism in the wake of another suspected attack in London, declaring “words are not enough to confront this scourge”.
Two Jewish men were stabbed in what appears to be an antisemitic attack in Golders Green on Wednesday, following a series of incidents targeting Jewish sites in London.
The prime minister said the attack was “deeply concerning” and told the Commons that the government is “absolutely clear in our determination” to tackle such incidents.
But in a scathing criticism of Sir Keir, the office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded action from the UK government to protect the Jewish community.
Athena Stavrou has this report:
Starmer’s words are ‘not enough’ after Golders Green attack, Netanyahu says
'Low-sophistication' terrorism seen in attack 'almost impossible' to police out, ex-terror police chief says
08:53 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA former counter terror policing chief has said the kind of attack seen in Golders Green on Wednesday is an “almost impossible task” to police out.
Nick Aldworth, former national co-ordinator for counter terror policing, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We’re not far off everything we can do in practical terms in terms of resourcing. I think throwing more numbers at a problem like this is not the solution that’s going to make a tangible difference.
“We’ve been dealing with terrorism in this country for many, many years and we’ve applied many, many resources to it and yet these things still happen.
“Particularly the nature of this low-sophistication terrorism, which means anyone can pick up a simple weapon and use it against somebody spontaneously, that’s an almost impossible task to police out.”
He added there are things police can do to deal with hate crime, which he stressed is different to terrorism.
“Hate crime is that insipid thing that festers inside our society, within certain groups of people.
“And we need to make the manifestation of those thoughts and feelings highly unattractive to turn into violence and action.”
Government will legislate to go after 'proxies acting for hostile states'
08:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The government will legislate to go after "proxies acting for hostile states", the home secretary has said in the wake of the stabbing of two men in Golders Green on Wednesday.
It comes after Iran-linked terror group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), claimed responsibility for the attack on a Telegram channel.
Speaking to Sky News, Shabana Mahmood said: "The government asked Jonathan Hall KC, who is the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, to look at our legal framework, because we already have powers to proscribe terrorist organisations, but we have a gap in the law when it comes to organisations that may be linked to hostile states, but also their proxies - so people that they might employ or pay to carry out attacks."
She added: "Jonathan Hall has said that there is a gap in the law and that the government needs to legislate so that we can designate organisations that are linked to states and then effectively be able to go after those proxies in the same way that we would those individuals acting directly for a terrorist organisation.
"The government will be fast tracking that legislation in the coming weeks, so we will legislate in exactly the way that the independent reviewer has asked us and recommended that we do so, and then that will enable us to go after those organisations."
Watch: Terror police believe Golders Green suspect was involved in earlier altercation
08:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGolders Green victim 'holds government responsible'
08:23 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOne of the victims of the double stabbing in Golders Green has accused the government of "not doing its job" in protecting the Jewish community.
Speaking to ITV News, Shloime Rand, 34, said British Jews are “blaming the government” for “not doing anything” about a recent string of incidents targeting the Jewish community.
"People are really concerned, people are afraid, people are uncomfortable walking in the street, people are blaming obviously the government for not doing anything about what's going on," he said.
"It's for the past few months really that our community is suffering from these type of attacks. And now it's going on and trying to take people's lives and it's really terrible."
On Thursday morning the government said an additional £25 million will be invested to increase police patrols and security to keep Jewish communities safe. It added legislation will be fast-tracked in the coming weeks to target those acting on behalf of state-sponsored groups.
Police are investigating claims that attack was linked to the Iranian regime
08:19 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Shabana Mahmood has said the police are investigating claims that the latest attack in Golders Green was linked to the Iranian regime, and refused to say whether she believes the attacker was acting alone.
Asked whether she believes the attacker was acting alone, the home secretary told Sky News: "The investigation into this specific attack is in its early stages, so I don't think it will be appropriate for me to give a wider commentary about expectations at this stage.
"The full facts will be established and they will be made public at the appropriate moment, but you are right. We have seen a spate of attacks in recent weeks, and obviously those are also being investigated.
"Some of those have been claimed by groups that claim to be linked to the Iranian regime. In fact, those claims are also being investigated, as are those incidents."
She added: "I think it's right that the police have the space to get on with their with their job, and what I can assure your viewers and also the wider communities, is that each of those investigations is progressing at pace. Something like 28 arrests have already been made. The attacker for the incident yesterday has also been apprehended, and all of these individuals will face the full force of the law."
Everything we know so far about the suspect
08:08 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder following the double stabbing on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the suspect is a British national who was born in Somalia.
He has a history of serious violence and mental health issues, Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said in a statement at the scene.
The force also said that they are investigating an earlier “altercation” in Southwark which the suspect is believed to have been involved in. The incident left a person with minor injuries.
Home secretary confirms Golders Green attacker is 45-year-old man from Somalia
08:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Shabana Mahmood has confirmed that the attacker in Golders Green was a 45-year-old man who was born in Somalia.
The home secretary told Sky News that he "came to this country as a child in the 1990s and is a British national".
She added: "The incident is obviously being investigated at pace by the police, and we will make more information available as the investigation progresses."
Men were attacked for being 'visibly Jewish', chief Rabbi says
07:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe victims of the double stabbing in Golders Green on Wednesday were targeted for being “visibly Jewish,” the UK’s chief Rabbi has said.
Speaking to the Jewish Chronicle, Sir Ephraim Mirvis said Jewish communities are “not safe all the time” on British streets.
“On this very road, close to this very point, two people who are visibly Jewish were attacked because they were visibly Jewish,” he said.
“What that means is Jewish people are not safe all the time.”
He also urged what he called the “silent community” within the British public to condemn the violence and show support for British Jews.
Jewish buildings in UK are now ‘effectively compounds’, Golders Green rabbi says
07:52 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDan Haygarth reports:
Every Jewish building in the UK is now “effectively a compound”, the rabbi at Golders Green synagogue has said after two men were stabbed in an antisemitic terror attack on Wednesday.
It was the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting the Jewish community in north west London in recent weeks.
Rabbi Ben Kurzer told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Any Jewish building now is effectively a compound - any synagogue, any school will have high fences, a lot of money put into security guards.”
He added: “I think that’s having to deal with the problem in a very unfortunate way. What we’d like to see is for the root cause to be dealt with. There are obviously backers of these individuals who are carrying out these attacks.”
Asked if British Jews were considering leaving the country as a result of the recent attacks, which have seen synagogues and Jewish community ambulances targeted, Rabbi Kurzer said: “I think people are still wanting to be able to continue to make their lives here.
“They are passionate about being British Jews… I think there is hope that can continue.
“But this is escalating in alarming ways and needs to stop.”
Police cordon in Golders Green lifted
07:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA police cordon surrounding the scene of a terror attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green has been lifted.
Parts of Highfield Avenue, Beverley Gardens and Golders Green Road in north-west London had been sealed off following the stabbings on Wednesday, but the roads were opened again by 7am on Thursday.
Traffic has resumed along Golders Green Road in both directions.
Shabana Mahmood condemns 'horrifying attack' in Golders Green
07:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Shabana Mahmood has condemned the "horrifying attack" in Golders Green, thanking the volunteers and police officers who "ran towards danger" to help.
The home secretary told Sky News: "Let me first say that this was a horrifying attack which has been declared a terrorist incident by the police. And of course, my thoughts are with the victims who have been stabbed, their families and the wider community.
She added: "I do want to thank the volunteers and the police officers who ran towards danger and who were able to apprehend the attacker".
Government announces additional £25m to increase security for Jewish communities
07:43 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAn additional £25 million will be invested to increase police patrols and security to keep Jewish communities safe and legislation will be fast-tracked in the coming weeks to target those acting on behalf of state-sponsored groups, the government has said.
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer was criticised for the government’s response to a recent spate of attacks targeting the Jewish community in the UK.
Responding to the attack, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded action to protect British Jews and warned: “Words are not enough to confront this scourge”.
Attacks against Jewish people 'biggest national security emergency' since Manchester arena attack, terror watchdog says
07:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe government’s independent terror and state threats legislation watchdog has said attacks against Jewish people in the UK have become the “biggest national security emergency” since 2017.
Speaking to the BBC, Jonathan Hall KC said the attacks have become the most pressing national emergency since the Manchester arena attack in 2017, which killed 22 people.
Everything we know so far as investigation enters second day
07:21 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGood morning.
The investigation into a stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green is entering its second day.
Here’s the main headlines this morning:
• Two Jewish men – Shilome Rand, 34, and 76-year-old Mosche Ben Baila, named locally as Moshe Shine – were taken to hospital after being stabbed in the north London suburb on Wednesday, in what has been declared a terrorist incident
• A 45-year-old man, who is a British national, born in Somalia, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
• Detectives are also looking into searching an address in south-east London after it was reported the suspect had been involved in a prior “altercation” with another person
• Britain’s most senior police officer, Sir Mark Rowley, said that the suspect has a history of serious violence and mental health problems
• The government's independent reviewer of terrorism and state threats legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, told the BBC that attacks on Jewish people in the UK have now become "the biggest national security emergency" since 2017
