London is becoming a “no-go zone for Jews” due to pro-Palestinian protests, a counter-extremism tsar has said.
Robin Simcox, the Home Office’s independent adviser on extremism, urged ministers to “be bolder and be willing to accept higher legal risk” when tackling radicalism.
He slammed Westminster for letting extremists go “unchallenged for too long”. He added that activities such as the pro-Palestinian marches allow parts of the capital to become off-limits to Jews, something he has critiqued as becoming “normalised”.
Simcox’s comments come after Rishi Sunak addressed the nation and warned of extremists “trying to tear the country apart”.
Pro-Palestine protestors and counter-protesters in London during a march
PA
The Prime Minister said the UK has seen a "shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality" from people trying to capitalise on Hamas' attack on Israel.
Simcox agreed with Sunak’s decision to issue the warning, stating that the UK now needed the “policies to meet the scale of the challenge”.
Writing in the Telegraph, the counter-extremism tsar said: “We will not have become an authoritarian state if London is no longer permitted to be turned into a no-go zone for Jews every weekend.
“All these things and more have become normalised in the UK. It is why I have warned of a permissive environment for radicalisation developing that needs urgently addressing. These groups have gone unchallenged for too long, and have used their time well. They are now embedded and influential among communities.”
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Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters have marched through London since the start of the Israel-Hamas warPAPro-Palestinian marches have become a regular feature in London since the conflict in Gaza began on October 7.
There has also been a huge increase in antisemitism in the capital since Hamas's October 7 attacks that saw 1,139 people killed and 240 taken hostage.
Next week, Michael Gove will announce a new definition of extremism that will allow the Government, universities and councils to stop engaging with or funding groups or individuals deemed to follow an ideology that “undermines” British values.
Simcox is calling for tougher restrictions on demonstrations, including suggesting the idea that the protests be staged in a different part of the city.
Simcox is calling for tougher restrictions on demonstrations
GOV.uk
Sunak has urged police to be tougher on protesters, telling officers that “we will back you when you take action”.
In response, Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Police Commissioner, defended his force, stating that “we have to police the law as it is, not as others would wish it to be”.
Last week, former home secretary Suella Braverman urged Sunak to introduce emergency legislation to tackle extremism.
In an exclusive interview with GB News, she said hate marches seen by the UK in the wake of the October 7 attacks by Hamas have made parts of London "no go" areas for Jewish people.