Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood has said “we must all work together to keep each other safe” as the UK government intensifies its response to a wave of antisemitic incidents, following the latest attack in Golders Green.

Speaking in the aftermath of the incident, Mahmood indicated that, she is “treating the situation as an emergency,” reflecting the urgency with which authorities are approaching a series of attacks targeting Jewish people across the country.

While stopping short of formally declaring a “national emergency,” she noted that such terminology carries specific constitutional implications, including the potential suspension of certain democratic norms.

Nonetheless, she made clear that the issue now sits at the top of the government’s security agenda, amid growing fears that repeated incidents are undermining public confidence and community safety.

“When I take the stand that I am taking against antisemitism, I am doing so as a practising Muslim, it is absolutely in line with my faith.This land is their land, it is my land too, we share this land and we must all work together to keep each other safe.”
Shabana Mahmood

The investigation into the Golders Green attack has been further complicated by a claim of responsibility from Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (Hayi), a group linked to Iran. Although the organisation has asserted involvement, it has not presented any evidence to support the claim.

In response, the Home Secretary stated it is “not unusual” for such groups to claim responsibility for such attacks, but the background and motivation of the attack is still being investigated.

The Home Secretary further acknowledged the deepening sense of insecurity among Jewish communities, saying she “completely” understands the frustration felt when official responses appear repetitive in the wake of such incidents.

She described antisemitism as “abhorrent and unacceptable” and stressed that Jewish people have “every right” to live in safety. According to the home secretary, the attacks are intended to divide society, foster fear, and erode solidarity between communities an outcome the government is determined to prevent.

Mahmood added that, even though she recognises the freedom of people to protest, she indicated that there have been “far too many instances” of hate crimes occurring during protests.

She also stated that existing public order legislation may no longer be “fit for purpose,” pointing to the need for stronger tools to address repeat offences. The recently enacted crime and policing bill is expected to give authorities additional powers, and the government has signalled it is prepared to introduce further changes if necessary.

Moreover, the government has announced £25 million in additional funding to strengthen protective security measures, although Mahmood emphasised that financial investment alone will not address the underlying drivers of extremism.

Meanwhile, Sarah Sackman, who represents the affected area, said the threats facing Jewish people are “very real” and acknowledged the anger expressed by members of the public following the attack. She stressed that tackling antisemitism must be a society-wide effort, reflecting a growing consensus that the issue extends beyond policing and requires collective action.

Golders Green Attack Declared a Terrorist Incident

Earlier, police responded to what has been described as a “horrifying” attack on the streets of Golders Green, where two men were stabbed in broad daylight, prompting a major emergency response and a rapidly escalating investigation.

The incident, which unfolded in the Barnet area of north London, has since been formally declared a terrorist act, placing it among the most serious categories of criminal incidents handled by UK authorities.

The attack took place at Highfield Avenue, where a 76-year-old man and a 34-year-old man were assaulted and sustained stab wounds. Both victims were taken to hospital and are currently receiving treatment.

As police officers arrived at the scene, they were also confronted by the suspect, who allegedly attacked them before being subdued using a Taser. A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody as investigations continue.

According to reports, Counter Terrorism Policing has now assumed responsibility for the case, with Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor confirming that the incident has been formally classified as terrorism. Specialist officers are working alongside the Metropolitan Police and national security services to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and determine its underlying motivation.

Authorities have indicated that one of the central lines of inquiry is whether the attack was deliberately targeted at the Jewish community in London. While this has not yet been confirmed, the possibility has heightened concern given the location and the broader context of recent incidents affecting Jewish communities across the country.

Officials added that the investigation is progressing at pace, with efforts focused on building a comprehensive intelligence picture.