Brent Council’s Labour Opposition has welcomed the report of the All Party Inquiry into Anti-Semitism, which was delivered to the Prime Minister yesterday. Brent has a long standing Jewish community of around 6,500 people.
The Panel of fourteen MP’s (6 Labour, 6 Conservative, 1 Liberal Democrat and 1 United Ulster Unionist) found an increase in Anti-Semitism had been exacerbated by the increased tensions in the Middle East. Evidence presented to the Inquiry by the Community Security Trust shows an alarming increase in the number of Anti-Semitic attacks since 1999.
The MP’s say that there should be a requirement on all police forces to record Anti-Semitic incidents given that such a duty already exists in relation to racist crimes. They also call for better education about Anti-Semitism in schools and a crackdown on anti-Jewish activity on University campuses.
Labour Opposition Leader, Cllr Ann M John, said:
“Anti-Semitism is one of the oldest and most pernicious forms of racism but one which we thought was in decline. This report proves otherwise and, whilst we in Brent are rightly proud of our diversity and our good community relations, we must remain vigilant against those who attack the Jewish community whatever the pretext. Racism of any kind undermines our common humanity and devalues us all. I hope that all of the recommendations of the All Party report are implemented and local authorities have a clear role in that.
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