Starmer says during Bushey visit that Jewish people feeling “insecure” in the UK should be troubling for everyone.
Leader of Hertsmere Council, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, has welcomed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to the borough. The PM visited Bushey United Synagogue and spent time with groups of students, schoolchildren and parents. He heard them speak about how antisemitism has become “normalised” in the UK, and about their growing frustration at the “lack of response from those in positions to do something about it”.
After those sessions, the PM met privately with Cllr Newmark to reflect on what he had heard and to discuss the work that the Labour-led Council has begun to strengthen community relations in the borough.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Newmark said:
“The Prime Minister was visibly affected by the testimony he heard from the different groups he met. I welcome his powerful promise to take away their stories and experiences to guide his leadership and decisions. He was keen to encourage and support the work we are undertaking in Hertsmere to address these concerns. He described antisemitism as a cultural problem and was particularly interested in the projects we are backing that draw on Hertsmere’s screen arts heritage and expertise to use film to promote positive community relations. I’m incredibly grateful that he took the time to visit Hertsmere today and for the meaningful way he engaged with local residents.”
