During Prime Minister’s Questions, Finchley and Golders Green MP, Mike Freer, today highlighted the need for greater security funding for Jewish Schools and organisations. Mike’s question to the Prime Minister follows a worrying rise in anti-Semitism witnessed across Britain which has left many people’s personal safety at risk.
Mike asked:
“My Rt.Hon Friend has been admirably robust in combating rising anti-Semitism. The Government has been supportive in helping fund security measures at maintained faith schools, but there are 220 other buildings deemed to be at risk of the type of attack we saw in Paris.
Will my Rt.Hon Friend consider creating a specific counter-terrorism fund to help meet the extra security costs of these community buildings?”
The Prime Minister responded by saying:
“I think my Hon. Friend makes a very important point. I have met with the Jewish Leadership Council and discussed this issue in light of the Paris attacks. As he knows the School Security Grant, which we introduced, has made available £2.3 million of funding in the current year to protect security at Jewish Schools, and it will be maintained next year.
The Education Secretary is also going to meet with the Community Security Trust to see if we can do more to help Jewish independent schools. In my view, we need to do everything we can to help this community feel safe and secure in our country. I would hate it for British Jews not to feel that they have a home here in Britain. Safe, secure, a vital part of our community.”