Tag: 2026

Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments at No 10 Tackling Antisemitism Forum

The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 5 May 2026.

Thank you all for being here. We have a lot of work to do so it’s very important we gather here to do that work.

Thank you Louis. That was incredibly powerful, and honest, and courageous. I think it’s really important we heard you speak, in your words, saying how you feel, and what it feels like to be Jewish in Britain right now.

And if recent events haven’t given us pause for thought, that really should.

About the responsibility each one of us has to face this challenge head on. And about what’s at the stake in the conversations we have today.

Last October, at Heaton Park, a deadly terrorist attack shocked the nation.

Similarly, last week’s terrorist attack in Golders Green was utterly appalling. But they were not isolated incidents.

It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them.

These disgusting attacks are being made against British Jews. But, make no mistake, this crisis – it is a crisis for all of us. It is a test of our values. Values that aren’t guaranteed, they are earned. Every single day. Through our actions.

So, it is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities. Of course we do, but we have to show with action. And that responsibility lies with each and every one of us.

Because it is our fight too. It is about the kind of country that we all want to be.

And that’s what today is about. Because only by working together can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society.

I have seen this poison up close. I have seen the damage it does when it takes hold. And I know what it demands to root it out – a coordinated approach, an unwavering resolve and zero tolerance for failure. And that is what we must do today. My government is using the full force of the state to that end. We have begun, as we must, with immediate protection.

In recent months, as antisemitic incidents have risen, we have acted decisively to strengthen the safety of Jewish communities. And last week, we announced an additional £25 million in funding.

That money is being used to increase police patrols, enhance security at synagogues, schools and community centres, and place specialist and plain-clothes officers in communities to prevent serious harm before it occurs.

That is the right thing to do. But what a sad thing to read out that list of acts to you – protecting synagogues, schools and community centres. I repeat those words.

Because of course, we cannot accept a future where communities feel safer only behind higher walls. Security is essential – but it is not enough. We must also deal with the forces that drive this hatred in the first place.

So, we are confronting them directly. One of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents. We are investigating of course all possibilities. And we are clear that these actions will have consequences if that proves to be the case.

Our message to Iran, or to any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society, is that it will not be tolerated. That is why we are fast tracking legislation to tackle these malign threats.

And we are clear eyed about the fact that antisemitism does not have one source alone. Islamist, far-left and far-right extremism all target Jewish communities.

That is why this Government has put in place the first coordinated national plan to strengthen cohesion and confront extremism in all of its forms.

This is not about tinkering around the edges. Our plan is a complete step change in how we protect communities: moving beyond piecemeal responses to a sustained, nationwide effort – one that ensures that people across the United Kingdom can live freely and without fear.

We are strengthening our ability to disrupt extremism – stopping those who spread hatred from entering the country and giving the Charity Commission stronger powers to act against organisations that enable it.

We are holding technology companies to account, requiring them to remove illegal extremist content or face serious penalties. And we have introduced stronger powers to deal with protests, ensuring intimidation is not tolerated on our streets.

And when these vile acts are committed, we are bolstering the response of our justice system – working to speed up sentencing for offences so that consequences are swift and the deterrent is clear.

But it is also important to recognise that so often this hatred does not begin with violence – it begins with ideas, with misinformation, tropes and conspiracy theories, and with attitudes that, left unchecked, can take root and spread. So, in those spaces where the shoots of antisemitism begin to grow, we are stepping in.

We have commissioned independent reviews into antisemitism in education and health services. Across the NHS, we are rolling out antisemitism training for staff.

And in our schools, colleges and universities, we are investing £7 million to tackle antisemitism, while making sure Holocaust education is taught in all schools.

And, today, we are going further. We already expect universities to set out clear disciplinary consequences for antisemitism, and to enforce them. And so we will hold them to account on that.

But today, I can announce that we will lift the bar higher: when abuses take place, we are calling on universities to demonstrate action. We will now expect them to publish the scale of the problem on their campuses, as well as the specific steps they have taken to clamp down on it. There will be zero tolerance for inaction.

In our cultural venues and spaces we will also expect more. Where public funding is being used to promote or platform antisemitism, the Arts Council must act, using its powers to suspend, withdraw and claw back funding.

And, today, we are mandating an independent audit of how allegations are handled. This will be a hard-edged review of where systems are failing and where they need to be strengthened. We will not and cannot accept complacency, delays, or weak enforcement. And where complacency is found, it will be challenged and addressed swiftly.

And we will also address a quieter but no less serious harm: the way rising security costs are forcing Jewish artists and organisations out of public life. That is exclusion – and it is unacceptable.

We will ensure that the Arts Council and Home Office funding can be used to cover protective security costs, so that participation is not determined by fear.

There is, of course, more work to do – and we won’t stop playing our part. But this is not a task that government do alone.

Every part of society has a responsibility to respond with determination and force. Because there are too many people who don’t see antisemitism for what it is: anti-Jewish hatred, racism, pure and simple.

That is why, today, I am asking you – each and every one of you – to reflect. On what form antisemitism takes in the sectors that you lead. In how it may be allowed to fester and spread. And on the work that you are currently doing to stamp it out.

And then, even more importantly, I am calling on you to act. With urgency. To look clearly at where you are succeeding – and just as clearly at where there is still work to be done. And to commit to the tangible action that Jewish people in this country need to feel safe again.

Because stopping antisemitism is not someone else’s responsibility. It is all of ours. That is the test before us. And only by working together will we meet it.

So, thank you for being here today – we have a lot of work to do – and we’re now going to move through to the Pillared Room to discuss that work further. So please come through and join us in the Pillared Room to continue the work that we have started today.

May 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Nearly £50 million government backing to power up drone and flying taxi tech and crack down on illegal drones [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 5 May 2026.

Funding will help develop a numberplate ID system for drones, helping police better protect UK skies and prosecute illegal users.
- British jobs, innovation and long-term economic growth will be supported by £26 million to bring drones and air taxis to UK skies faster
- nearly £20.5 million committed to develop numberplate ID system for drones – helping police better protect UK skies and prosecute illegal users
- plans will cut red tape and boost the UK’s next-generation aviation technologies, estimated to contribute up to £103 billion to the UK economy over the next 25 years
Drone deliveries, flying taxis and smarter emergency services could be a step closer to use in UK skies, as the government awards almost £50 million to unlock growth in the drone and advanced air mobility sector, today (5 May 2026).

Part of the £46.5 million investment will also see a crackdown on ‘faceless’ drones, which can be used in suspicious or illegal activity, through the first bespoke drone identification system. The measures will make it easier for police to identify illegal or nuisance users and clear the way for legitimate drone operators.

Delivered through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the funding will also cut red tape and support the regulatory, digital and security foundations needed to bring drones and advanced air mobility – such as electric flying taxis – into more routine use across the UK.

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said:

We’re backing the next generation of British aviation innovators with nearly £50 million to drive drone regulation reforms and unlock barriers to growth that will create jobs, lower emissions and further the UK’s world-leading aviation reputation.

Innovation must go hand in hand with strong security – that’s why over half of our investment will develop a new ID system to track drones in real-time, supporting emergency services and building public confidence in an industry that could be worth up to £103 billion by 2050.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

This funding will create a numberplate system for the skies.

Law enforcement will be able to identify and take action against those who break the law, taking drones out of the sky and protecting the public.

Hybrid Remote ID works by sending out the drone’s ID and location during flight so nearby devices can pick it up, sharing flight details through a secure online system that authorised people can access even when they are not nearby and recording historic data.

The funding also includes £26.5 million to drive smarter regulation and cut red tape – making it easier for drones to be used in everyday public services and driving economic growth across the UK.

This includes speeding up approvals for drone operations for emergency responses, medical logistics and infrastructure inspection, driving forward regulation to get flying taxis in the sky from 2028. Drone operators will also benefit from a streamlined digital application process, reducing the time required to navigate regulations and prepare applications.

The government is clear that regulation must support growth (PDF), with a focus on faster, more predictable approvals and a better experience for operators, while maintaining the UK’s high safety standards.

Today’s announcement is part of the UK government’s broader ambition to maintain and expand the country’s position as an aviation superpower – including work to strengthen UK research and innovation, ensuring high-growth sectors such as robotics and AI have the support they need to thrive.

This follows other commitments to accelerate airspace modernisation, invest £2.3 billion in the development of green aircraft and provide £63 million support for sustainable aviation fuel.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Director Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

Our work going on right now is laying the foundations for commercial operation in the future, unlocking routine drone deliveries, long-range inspections and hospital logistics.

This vital funding supports the next generation of aerospace, strengthening safety and bringing economic growth for the UK.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:

This is a welcome investment in the sector by the government. To lead in advanced air mobility requires a regulatory system that can move at pace while maintaining the highest safety standards. The UK’s CAA has been a serious and constructive partner.

This investment is a further step towards positioning the UK at the leading edge of the eVTOL sector, as it moves towards commercial operations.

Stephen Wright, Chairman and Founder of Windracers, said:

This is a significant step forward for the UK’s drone and advanced air mobility sector. Targeted investment alongside practical regulatory reform is exactly what is needed to unlock real-world operations at scale.

At Windracers, we see first-hand how autonomous aviation can strengthen supply chains, support critical services and operate reliably in some of the most challenging environments.

We are proud to work alongside the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority as a trusted partner, helping to shape a regulatory environment that supports UK innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
May 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Call for bids for strategic communications projects in Ukraine [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

The British Embassy Kyiv invites proposals from non-profit organisations for project work under the Integrated Security Fund (ISF) Ukraine, for the period from 01 July 2026 to 31 March 2027. The ISF Ukraine is building on the past 10 years of the UK goverment’s support to strategic communications in Ukraine.

In the context of the full-scale invasion, the battle in the information environment is more important than ever. That is why we are supporting the Government of Ukraine (Cabinet of Ministers (CMU)) to stand up a refreshed, central Government Communications system. It will put audience insight data at the heart of communications planning, to better deliver policies through effective strategic communications interventions for Government.

The Government of Ukraine vision of this support is provided in the Annex A, covering gaps in needs and resource requirements. The project proposals should focus on the following (see Annex A for reference):
- Objective 1. Enhance GoU capacity to collect, analyse and utilise audience-centric research and insight, to inform effective Strategic Communications planning.
- Objective 2. Support GoU to plan, coordinate and convene communications output across GoU ministries, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Objective 3. Support GoU to deliver effective, data-driven national communications activity through paid-for and earned-media engagement.
The project proposals should align with the Theory of Change:
- If GoU have the capacity to commission and analyse audience research, then GoU can design and deliver tailored and effective policy-backed strategic communications interventions targeting key audiences, and counter hybrid information environment-based threats more effectively.
- If coordination on communications between GoU ministries is enhanced and the strategic communication is delivered through a ‘one voice’, centrally coordinated function, then Ukraine will be in a better position to win the information war.
- If GoU can develop and deliver data-driven, policy-led communications strategies and interventions, then domestic GoU policy can be better informed and implemented for the public good.
The project proposals should cover the following outcomes/results (see Annex A for reference):
- Outcome 1: A Research and Monitoring team, that successfully produces contextual analysis of thematic regular and snap polling, and emerging trends, is established and operates effectively. The Office’s work informs clear recommendations for effective messaging and communications tactics to Strategic Communications planners. This team will also lead evaluation for government communications activity.
- Outcome 2: A One Voice Communications Team conveying and coordinating proactive and reactive comms planning across GoU ministries and agencies is established and operates effectively. This team will operate based on UK GCS best-practice principles and the processes of this unit will therefore be developed in conjunction with the CMU and the UK’s StratComms Adviser to GoU.
- Outcome 3: The Government of Ukraine establish and implement policy-led and data-informed Communications Strategies aligned to support the delivery of the Prime Minister’s top policy priorities across owned and earned media activity.
- Outcome 4: Ukrainian Government Communications frameworks and best practices are developed and adopted, building on UK GCS best practice and adapted to the Ukrainian context.
Only non-profit organisations are invited to send Proposals. This call for proposals is open for International Organisations (IOs), International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and local civil society organisations (CSOs), that can also apply in consortium of few CSOs. Successful projects should have sustainable outcomes and should clearly identify the change that will be brought about. All proposals should make clear how they complement existing activities supported by other donors and international partners, and how work in the regions complements national level activity.

The indicative maximum funding for this project is £1,500,000. This may be in addition to co-funding and self-funding contributions; indeed, this will be considered a merit. Call for proposals is competitive and only one selected project will receive funding. The Embassy reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without incurring any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds of such acceptance or rejection or provide feedback on unsuccessful proposals.

The British Embassy Kyiv will carry out due diligence of potential grantees, including seeking references, as part of the selection process.

Call for proposals is competitive and only one selected project will receive funding. The Embassy reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without incurring any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds of such acceptance or rejection or provide feedback on unsuccessful proposals. If organisations are not contacted by 31 July, they have been unsuccessful in this round.
May 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Victims of serious and sexual crime to receive better protection and support in Armed Forces justice reforms [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 May 2026.

Victims of serious and sexual crimes to receive improved guidance and support in the Service Justice System.

Military personnel and civilians who experience sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking at the hands of serving members of the Armed Forces will receive stronger protections under the new Armed Forces Bill.

The Bill, which is being debated in Parliament today for its Second Reading, introduces a suite of measures to protect victims of serious and sexual offences within the Service Justice System. These include:
- New protective orders to enable swifter action against perpetrators, reducing the risk of further harm to victims of inappropriate sexualised behaviours, domestic abuse, stalking and harassment.
- Stronger guidance and support to help victims provide an informed view to prosecutors on whether they want their case tried in civilian courts or the military system.
- The Bill will also give service police increased powers for investigations, including introducing new powers for Service police to authorise pre-charge custody. Currently only commanding officers can authorise pre-charge detention after arrest. This can create delays in the investigation process, prevention the preservation of evidence or risk further harm to victims and witnesses or to the suspect themselves.
The Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, said:

Having served in the Army, I recognise the challenges victims can face when coming forward to report offences.

We will ensure there is nowhere to hide for those who commit sexual violence. This Bill will strengthen protections for victims of serious and sexual crime, ensuring they receive the support they need and have a choice in how their case is handled.

Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has no place in our Armed Forces. Defence will play our part in delivering on this Government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls, while recognising that abuse can affect anyone.

The new measures build on Defence’s efforts to ensure the Service Justice System champion a victim-centred approach.

This includes a pioneering prevention programme introduced by the Government in November 2025 to tackle the issue of unacceptable sexual behaviour and harassment in our Armed Forces. New prevention teams will operate from military sites in North Yorkshire and Plymouth, delivering training interventions to tackle the cultural and behavioural root causes of unacceptable sexual behaviour.

The measure supports the Government’s mission to halve Violence Against Women and Girls within a decade, while recognising that abuse can happen to anyone regardless of gender.

It also follows the creation of the Victim Witness Care Unit (VCWU) in 2023, which provides independent, trauma-informed, end to end support to victims and witnesses of serious crime, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve.

In the Service Justice System, adult rape-flagged investigations are dealt with in quicker time, as highlighted in figures from 2024. That year, investigations in the civilian system took 338 days, with 59% of victims withdrawing, but 148 days with a further 72 days until a charge is directed, in the Service Justice System with 24% of victims withdrawing.

Whilst conviction rates cannot be reliably compared, published data casts doubt on claims that the conviction rate is higher in the Crown Court. The conviction rate in the Court Martial for adult rape-flagged cases (excluding guilty pleas), is 51% from 2022 to 2024 compared to 36% in the Crown Court in the financial years 2022/23 to 2025.

These data points – in combination with the strengthened measures introduced through the Bill – demonstrate that the Service Justice System delivers swifter justice for victims, helping more cases to reach quicker conclusion and ensuring victims’ confidence that this is a system that will support and protect them.

These measures sit alongside wider Armed Forces Bill provisions including the creation of a new Defence Housing Service and extending the Armed Forces Covenant across all areas of government. There are also new powers to deter, detect and defeat drone incursions over military sites.
May 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on Russia’s exploitation of vulnerable migrants and deadly drone capability [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

The UK has announced new sanctions to curb production of Russian drones and the nefarious networks that are exploiting vulnerable migrants from across the globe to support Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.
- the UK continues to disrupt Russia’s military supply chains and the callous trafficking of foreign migrants in a fresh wave of sanctions
- as Russia attempts to exploit migrants to prop up its war machine, sanctions announced today directly target individuals trafficking vulnerable migrants to fight on the frontline of Putin’s war, as well as companies supplying Russia’s drone factories
- fresh action demonstrates continued UK leadership to combat Russian aggression at every level, ratchet up economic pressure on the Kremlin and support Ukraine for as long as it takes to secure a just and lasting peace.
The UK has announced a raft of new sanctions to curb production of Russian drones and the nefarious networks that are exploiting vulnerable migrants from across the globe to support Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. The latest action hits 35 individuals and entities, including those responsible for human trafficking networks, funnelling exploited migrants into Russia’s war machine.

Networks sanctioned by the UK have been deceptively recruiting foreign migrants in search of a better life and either sending them to the front line as cannon fodder or putting them to work in weapons factories. This includes through schemes like Russia’s Alabuga Start programme for drone production at a UK-sanctioned entity.

Russia continues to terrorise Ukraine by indiscriminately using drones, killing, and injuring innocent civilians and damaging critical infrastructure. Russia fired the equivalent of over 200 drones per day into Ukraine in March 2026, the highest ever monthly total. Russia is likely to exceed this grim record for a second consecutive month in April.

These attacks rely on domestic manufacturers and third country suppliers providing key components and technical support. This new action is designed to disrupt these supply chains and hold those responsible to account by targeting the businessmen and companies fuelling Russia’s drone manufacturing capabilities.

Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty said:

The practice of exploiting vulnerable people to prop up Russia’s failing and illegal war in Ukraine is barbaric.

These sanctions expose and disrupt the operations of those trafficking migrants as cannon fodder and feeding Putin’s drone factories with illicit components to target innocent civilians and vital infrastructure.

The UK continues to lead international efforts to disrupt Russia’s war machine, ramping up pressure on its economy and confronting its hybrid threats. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defence of European security and our shared values.

Sanctioned targets also include individuals and entities based in third countries, including Thailand and China, responsible for supplying drone components and other critical military goods to Russia.

Among those sanctioned is Pavel Nikitin, whose company develops Russia’s VT‑40 drone – a cheap, mass‑produced attack drone which has been used extensively by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine.

Also sanctioned are 3 individuals with links to the Russian state involved in recruiting individuals to travel to Ukraine to fight for Russia.

This includes Polina Alexandrovna Azarnykh, who, backed by the Russian state, has been facilitating the travel of individuals from countries including Egypt, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Morocco, Syria and Yemen through Russia to Ukraine, where they are deployed with minimal training and under dire conditions to the frontline to sustain Russia’s illegal war of aggression.

The UK remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine and will continue to use the full force of its sanctions powers to disrupt Russia’s hybrid threats and squeeze the Kremlin’s war machine. These measures underline our determination to hold Russia and its enablers to account, defend European security and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

Background
- the UK Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons (GIMTiPS) sanctions regime is the world’s first dedicated sanctions regime targeting illegal migration and organised immigration crime. The UK government can now target individuals and entities anywhere in the world involved in people smuggling and human trafficking, as well as enablers such as financiers, and companies involved in small boat supply chains
- this marks the first use of the GiMTiPs regime to tackle human trafficking and the instrumentalisation of migration to destabilise other countries. The UK government is committed to playing its part in eradicating all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking
May 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2026.

Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter: the Sides), building upon the Joint Statement on the establishment of the UK–Armenia Strategic Dialogue of November 2023, and recognising the longstanding and friendly relations between them, founded on mutual respect, shared values, growing cooperation, and convergence of interests in various fields, express their determination to reinforce their bilateral relations through the establishment of a Strategic Partnership.

Recalling their commitment to uphold and promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, good governance, and a rules-based international order, including respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognised borders, the Sides reaffirm their adherence to the purposes and principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations and other international instruments promoting peace and security.

Emphasising the importance of the Washington Peace Summit Declaration of 8 August 2025 and the initialled Agreement “On the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan”, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reaffirms its continued support for the institutionalisation of peace and normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, based on mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as delimitation of the interstate borders in accordance with the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

Welcoming the ongoing efforts to unblock regional transport communications to improve regional connectivity and stability, the Sides recognise that sustainable peace and connectivity can catalyse prosperity and security in the region. In that regard, the Sides agreed to continue discussing connectivity projects, highlighting the “Crossroads of Peace” and “TRIPP” initiatives as platforms for enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

The Sides have reached the following understanding:
1. Defence and Security: The Sides share a long-term commitment to building Armenia’s capacity in the areas of security, resilience and defence. They underline the importance of advancing regional peace and stability, strengthening Armenia’s ability to manage evolving security challenges, and enhancing cooperation in areas including defence cooperation, institutional reform, border security and tackling illegal migration, cyber resilience, and the wider response to hybrid threats. The Sides further affirm their intention to cooperate in multilateral fora where interests align and opportunities permit.
2. Economic Growth and Development: The Sides share an objective to promote sustainable economic growth and diversification in Armenia, deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, and strengthen regional connectivity in areas such as transport, energy and communication, as enablers of stability and prosperity. They recognise the importance of improving the business environment, supporting private‑sector development, facilitating investment, and cooperating in specific sectors of mutual agreement.
3. Governance and Democratic Resilience: The Sides share a commitment to democratic values, transparent and effective governance, and inclusive institutions. They recognise the importance of strengthening public sector performance, ensuring free and fair elections, countering hybrid threats, advancing anti‑corruption efforts, and supporting an enabling environment for independent media and civil society. They also commit to exploring further bilateral cooperation that reinforces democratic resilience.
Final Provisions

The Sides have reached an understanding to hold an annual Strategic Partnership session on the three aforementioned areas, where the Sides have reached a mutual understanding. This will be delivered through a jointly owned Outcome Framework Document, which will ensure coherence between UK and Armenian activity and provide a monitoring mechanism to review progress against delivery.

This declaration is not an international treaty and does not create legal rights or obligations under domestic or international law. Implementation of activities under this declaration will be subject to the availability of resources and in accordance with the respective laws and regulations of the Sides. Additional areas of cooperation may be identified and mutually agreed upon. This Joint Declaration may be amended at any time by mutual written consent. Each Side may end cooperation under this Joint Declaration at any time, informing the other Side in writing at least six months prior.
May 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Funding boost to help councils tackle antisemitism [May 2026]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing on 5 May 2026.

Government funding to tackle antisemitism and support Jewish communities.
- £1 million expansion of MHCLG’s Common Ground programme will support communities and places facing the greatest risk of antisemitism today
- Plus an additional £500,000 will be allocated immediately to Barnet Council, reflecting the recent serious antisemitic incidents in the borough, following their ask for government support
- Funding builds on the government’s commitment to work closely with Jewish communities to ensure actions work for them and drive real change on the ground
Jewish communities across England will receive a further £1 million of government funding to tackle antisemitism and strengthen community cohesion in those places facing the greatest risk.

An immediate £500,000 will also be allocated to Barnet Council, reflecting recent serious antisemitic incidents in the borough and the large number of Jewish residents there.

There has been an alarming rise in antisemitism both in this country and across much of the globe, including the horrific antisemitic terrorist attacks in Heaton Park and Bondi Beach last year, and an appalling spate of antisemitic attacks in North West London in recent weeks.

To tackle this, the additional funding being announced today will expand MHCLG’s Common Ground programme – which is already providing more than £4 million to communities across the country.

The additional new government funding will power local efforts to counter antisemitism, support safer communities and respond to rising tensions in those towns and cities where our Jewish communities are most fearful and concerned.

The funding will help local people – especially those from Jewish communities and Jewish organisations who have been hit hardest recently – take rapid, visible action, ranging from community safety work and targeted youth and schools initiatives, to interfaith projects and programmes to challenge antisemitic narratives or hate crime.

The investment is in addition to the £25 million announced last week to boost police patrols, specialist officers, and protective security for Jewish communities – taking total funding to £58 million, as well as £7 million to tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges and universities.

Later today the Prime Minister will convene leaders from across society to call for everyone to play their part stamping out antisemitism.

Secretary of State for Housing and Communities said:

The horrific rise of antisemitism and anti-Jewish hatred in Britain and across the world is intolerable. I will not rest until Britain is a place where every Jewish person can live openly, safely and proudly.

Our Common Ground programme has already awarded millions of pounds into communities across the country, and today’s expansion of that programme builds on our commitment to tackle hate crime, promote integration and support communities most at risk.

While we know there is more to do, we believe that quickly channelling government funding directly to the communities and places facing the greatest risks today will help local partners to take early, practical action to keep people safe, strengthen communities and stand up to hate.

Under the expansion, councils, faith groups, schools, police, voluntary organisations and local people themselves – especially our Jewish communities – will work together to develop and deliver tailored local action which addresses the challenges they face in their own area today.

The funding forms one part a suite of measures from government to combat antisemitism across all corners of society, including the Protecting What Matters strategy which out plans to tackle extremism and antisemitism wherever it occurs.
May 6, 2026
Keir Starmer – 2026 Statement on strikes targeting UAE

The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 4 May 2026.

The UK condemns the drone and missile strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates.

As I set out during my visit to the region last month, stability in the Gulf directly affects the UK.

We stand in solidarity with the UAE and will continue to support the defence of our partners in the Gulf.

This escalation must cease. Iran needs to engage meaningfully in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire in the Middle East endures, and a long-term diplomatic solution is achieved.

May 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to bring together leaders across public life to drive whole of society response to antisemitism [May 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

Leaders from across society are being brought together in Downing Street this morning to drive forward progress on tackling antisemitism in all its forms.
- The Prime Minister is convening leaders from across society in Downing Street this morning to call for action on all forms of antisemitism
- Opening the event, he will call for everyone to stand up and play their part in eradicating hatred
- Influential representatives from business, civil society, health, culture, higher education and policing will take part in individual roundtable discussions with members of the Jewish community, hosted by Ministers
Leaders from across society are being brought together in Downing Street this morning to drive forward progress on tackling antisemitism in all its forms.

The Government has been taking action to protect Jewish communities and tackle antisemitism since coming into power. Following the despicable antisemitic terrorist attack in London last week, a spate of serious arson attacks in recent weeks, and the terrorist attack in Heaton Park in October, the Government is committed to accelerating a whole of society response to antisemitism.

The Prime Minister is convening the event, which will be attended by leaders from the business, civil society, health, culture, higher education and policing sectors, where he will ask attendees to reflect on the forms antisemitism takes in their sector, the work they are already doing to tackle it and how they can go further at pace. Each sector will spend the morning in an individual roundtable meeting, chaired by a Minister.

Opening the event, the Prime Minister is expected to say that every part of society needs to stand up together and refuse to platform hatred or turn a blind eye to extremism.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will say:

Last week’s terrorist attack in Golders Green was utterly appalling. But it was not an isolated incident. It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them.

These disgusting attacks are being made against British Jews. But, make no mistake, this crisis – it is a crisis for all of us. It is a test of our values. Values that are not guaranteed, but are earned. Every single day, through our actions.

So, it is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities. We must show it. And that responsibility lies with each and every one of us. That is what today is about. Because only by working together, can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society.

The Prime Minister will also convene Ministers this afternoon for a Middle East Response Committee meeting focused on the domestic security implications of the conflict in the Middle East, in particular the heightened threat to Jewish communities in light of recent attacks.

Today’s event builds on commitments made in recent days to accelerate work to confront extremism, protect the Jewish community and strengthen cohesion.

This includes announcing an additional £25 million in funding to increase police patrols, enhance security at synagogues, schools and community centres, and place specialist and plain-clothes officers in communities to prevent serious harm before it occurs. It brings the total funding to £58 million this year – the largest investment a Government has made in protecting Jewish communities in history.

The Government will also fast-track legislation to counter the malign actions against the Jewish community from state actors and strengthening the response of our justice system by working to speed up sentencing for antisemitic offences. A further £7 million investment will also tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges and universities.
May 6, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : PM meeting with Prime Minister Babiš of Czechia [May 2026]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 May 2026.

The Prime Minister met the Prime Minister of Czechia Andrej Babiš today.

The leaders began by reflecting on the UK’s ambitions for a closer relationship with the European Union to deliver security and prosperity for both sides.

In the current context, a stronger, more united Europe was key, the Prime Minister added.

The leaders also discussed the need to continue close collaboration on illegal migration.

Turning to wider geopolitical issues, the leaders reiterated the need to secure a just and lasting peace to end the war in Ukraine. The Prime Minister also thanked Prime Minister Babiš for Czechia’s ongoing supply of ammunition to Ukraine.

On the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of ensuring the normalisation of shipping in the region to ensure the free flow of trade.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

May 4, 2026