David Cameron has again moved to reassure British Jews of the government’s commitment to tackling antisemitism.
He said he understood concerns following the rise in antisemitic incidents which followed the Gaza conflict in the summer, and reiterated the government’s opposition to boycotts of Israel.
Mr Cameron said he was aware of a Sainsbury’s store’s decision to remove kosher food from sale in August and said such actions were “wholly inconsistent with the UK’s efforts to progress the peace process and achieve a negotiated solution”.
The Prime Minister also said he had been “pleased to hear” the UK Jewish Film Festival had reached an agreement with the Tricycle Theatre after the theatre initially decided to boycott the festival.
“I am very clear that harassment directed towards any community, for whatever reason, is completely unacceptable, and the government will do everything in its power to prevent the fear and distress that such deplorable actions cause,” Mr Cameron wrote to Tory Hendon MP Matthew Offord.
“The best way to tackle antisemitism is through building a respectful, tolerant and integrated society, underpinned by effective implementation of strong legislation against racial and religious hate crime.”
Mr Cameron said the government had been in regular contact with Jewish community representative bodies and the police.
He wrote to Dr Offord after the Conservative backbencher raised constituents’ concerns with the Prime Minister.
Dr Offord said: "I feel very strongly on this matter and I will continue to raise these concerns with the government whenever an opportunity arises."
