Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers attended a meeting at Kinloss synagogue in Finchley on Thursday, hosted by Mike Freer MP, to hear from the Met police on their approach to Gaza-related marches in London.
Rabbis and representatives from a number of shuls in Barnet and around London were there to receive a briefing from Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist who has responsibility for running the policing of protests. A question and answer session followed AC Twist's presentation, which covered a range of concerns.
Following the discussion, Theresa said, "I am deeply worried about the impact of these continuing protests. A number of constituents have told me that they are intimidated by these marches and are reluctant to spend time in central London because they feel unsafe. No one should be made to feel they should hide their identity because of fear or harm or harassment."
"I found it useful to hear the Met's detailed perspective on the marches, together with the context of some recent controversial incidents. I hope the representatives of the Jewish community who attended the meeting also found this was helpful. During the discussion, I took the opportunity to reiterate that the police should use the full force of the law against displays of antisemitism and hate crime."
"I would like to thank my colleague Mike Freer for setting up this discussion. I welcome the commitment by AC Twist that this will be part of a continuing dialogue with the Jewish community."
Digital imprint: Promoted by Theresa Villiers MP of 163 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SU.
