Government Antisemitism Adviser Calls For Policy Response Amid Record Hate Incidents

Lord Mann, the government's adviser on antisemitism, has told PoliticsHome that record antisemitism figures in the first half of 2024 are "sadly no surprise" and has called for a policy response.

On Thursday, Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that fights against antisemitism in Britain, released new figures that revealed 1,978 antisemitic incidents occurred across the UK in the first half of 2024 – the highest total ever reported to the charity, and a 105 per cent increase on the last six months of 2023. 

“The disgraceful surge in British antisemitism is further evidenced by these latest figures. It happens across society, including in schools, campuses, places of work, public transport and on the streets," said Mark Gardner, the CST’s chief executive, in a statement. 

“The CST applauds our community’s ever-increasing determination to stand strong and proud, despite the hatred, vilification and blatant double standards that we too often face, including from many who perversely call themselves anti-racists.”

Speaking to PoliticsHome, Lord Mann said the spike in antisemitic incidents in the UK was heavily linked to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. 

"There's no surprise... I think government recognizes it very clearly," said Mann.

"We know that when there's conflict there's always been a spike – and a big spike – and the conflict is ongoing."

Mann also said there is evidence, particularly in recent weeks, that activity among the far-right on social media channels encouraging the targeting of Jewish people has increased amid far-right rights across England. 

"We've also got significant evidence of the far right demanding to target anyone who's Jewish on things like Telegram," said Mann.

Mann said it is likely