Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described the use of proxy groups by hostile states to launch attacks in the UK as a "growing concern," following a series of arson incidents targeting Jewish community sites.
Speaking during a visit to Kenton United Synagogue in north-west London—which was hit by a petrol bomb on Saturday—Starmer expressed alarm over the involvement of proxies, which are groups used by states to carry out criminal acts.
Since late March, there have been multiple arson attacks against Jewish community targets, including two synagogues and a former Jewish charity. An Islamist group suspected of links to Iran, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, has claimed responsibility for an attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London, as well as other incidents in the UK and Europe.
"The use of proxies in this country is a growing concern and a real concern," Starmer said. "It's very important in this particular context, because I'm increasingly concerned that a number of countries are using proxies for attacks in this country."
During his meeting with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and community members, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring safety for all faiths. "The Britain that I want is a Britain where people can practice their religion, their faith, in safety and security," he stated.
The government has faced criticism for not yet proscribing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a promise made before the 2024 general election. Starmer said legislation to proscribe the IRGC would be brought forward "as quickly as possible." Other European countries have already taken this step.
Saul Taylor, president of the United Synagogue, expressed frustration, noting that synagogues are spending enormous sums on security—one spends £20,000 a month—calling it a "tax on being Jewish in Britain." He urged the government to act swiftly.
Police are continuing investigations. A 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to arson at Kenton United Synagogue, while another teenager has been arrested and bailed. Two other suspects remain at large.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley described the attacks as "a determined and intimidatory series of attacks" against British Jews, stressing that society should be as outraged as it would be over attacks on any other group based on race or faith.
The chief rabbi called on the prime minister to "guarantee the normalisation of antisemitism in the UK will stop, and that there will be zero tolerance."