Starmer Addresses Antisemitism After Golders Green Stabbing, Considers Protest Limits

Two Jewish men were stabbed in London's Golders Green neighborhood on April 29, 2026, in an attack authorities described as antisemitic terrorism. The suspect, Essa Suleiman, was subdued by police and volunteers from a Jewish communal security group.

Police stated that Suleiman had been referred to the UK's Prevent counterterrorism program in 2020, which was closed the same year. " He met with leaders from a Jewish security group and a medical charity whose ambulances were targeted in an arson attack last month.

The government announced an additional £25 million for protecting Jewish communities, increasing the total to £58 million, to fund more police presence, patrols, and security for synagogues, schools, and community centers.

Starmer expressed concern over the "cumulative effect" of repeated pro-Palestine marches on Jewish communities since October 7, 2023. He stated that chants like "globalise the intifada" should be "completely off limits" and suggested tougher action on such rhetoric. During a BBC interview, Starmer blamed certain pro-Palestinian activism for contributing to a rise in antisemitic attacks.

“When you see, when you hear some of those chants — ‘globalize the intifada’ would be one I would pick out — then clearly there should be tougher action in relation to that.”

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch called for banning pro-Palestine marches, describing them as a cover for promoting violence and intimidation against Jews. She criticized Starmer for not knowing what to do and endorsed assessments that London faces an "epidemic" of antisemitism, with British Jews under their greatest threat.

Badenoch advocated banning hate preachers, revoking visas for non-British individuals spreading antisemitism, and shaming those who find it acceptable.

Mirvis attributed a "tone of antisemitism" in Britain to "hate marches" and anti-Israel demonization. Independent reviewer of terrorism legislation Jonathan Hall called for a moratorium on such protests, describing recent attacks on Jews as a "massive national security emergency" that the marches incubate.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused the government of weakness on the issue and claimed hatred has become embedded in the country. He visited Golders Green and echoed calls for tougher action on pro-Palestine marches. The Stop the War Coalition, planning a demonstration on May 16, 2026, condemned the attacks and rejected connections between them and pro-Palestine marches.

The group stated its events are supported by many Jewish people and are expressions of solidarity, not hate.

Authorities raised the UK terrorism threat level to severe following the Golders Green stabbing. Police praised officers' courage in subduing the suspect, who had a history of serious violence and mental health issues and posed a continued threat during arrest.

The attack follows a string of incidents targeting Jewish people, including the killing of two worshippers at a Manchester synagogue in October 2025. Jewish community members expressed fear and a lack of safety, with some questioning whether to leave the UK.

“It’s time to ban the marches.”

Starmer acknowledged high levels of anxiety in Jewish communities and said the government is examining further measures on protests, health, education, and criminal justice. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and justice minister Sarah Sackman, the local MP, joined Starmer during the visit.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged additional protective security measures, including high-visibility police protection for synagogues and Jewish areas. The stabbing prompted broader discussions on freedom of speech versus prohibiting demonstrations that may incite violence.