Met Police creates new unit to tackle antisemitism in London

LocalPolitics
6 May 2026 • 2:03 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Met Police creates new unit to tackle antisemitism in London

  • The Metropolitan Police has established a new 100-officer community protection team specifically to safeguard London's Jewish community, which faces significant hate crime and security threats.
  • This initiative comes despite the Met Commissioner previously stating that 300 additional officers were required to address the growing issue of antisemitism across the capital.
  • The team will integrate neighbourhood policing, specialist protection, and counter-terrorism capabilities, following recent incidents including arson attacks at Jewish sites and a suspected terrorist stabbing.
  • The Home Office is supporting this action with £18 million, alongside an additional £4 million for Jewish community protective security grants.
  • Separately, the Director of Public Prosecutions has issued new guidance to fast-track hate crime prosecutions.

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