Anger over Labour government’s ‘insulting absence’ from March Against Antisemitism

“This is no more evident than in the government’s scandalous decision not to send anyone to address the Jewish community. The government’s insulting absence will do nothing to reassure British Jews that this government has their back or even understands the scale of the crisis.”

As confirmed by documents seen by the JC, CAA sent numerous letters, emails, WhatsApp and social media messages to government contacts, trying to secure a minister for the march.

However, just days before the rally, they were told that it was not the government’s policy to provide representatives to marches and rallies – a position which, they noted, stood in stark contrast to that of the previous, Conservative government. 

In November 2023, the Conservative government sent Robert Jenrick, Tom Tugendhat and Robert Halfon to attend the March Against Antisemitism, with Jenrick addressing the crowd.

Speaking of their disappointment, a CAA spokesperson added: “Our country is clearly at a tipping point. These are the highest antisemitism figures that we have ever recorded, having doubled in less than five years. The findings in relation to young people are nothing short of terrifying. Our young people are being radicalised into adopting hateful ideologies before our eyes. Britain will lose its soul to extremists unless the silent majority wakes up.

“Politicians, police and prosecutors, regulators, media organisations, cultural institutions, universities, trade unions – they are all complicit in the creation of a climate of hatred in Britain. Jews may feel it most sharply now, but for all of us, this is not the country that we used to know. Soon it will be too late for our country to change course.”

While Labour declined to send a representative to address the crowd, both the opposition and Reform UK obliged, sending the Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Philp, and Deputy Leader, Richard Tice, respectively.

The Cabinet Office has been contacted for comment.