Johnson condemns ‘shameful racism’ after anti-Semitic threats in London

UK prime minister Boris Johnson has condemned acts of “shameful racism” as police investigated video showing to point out anti-Semitic language being shouted from a convoy of vehicles in London.

Footage on social media confirmed a convoy of vehicles lined with Palestinian flags passing down Finchley Road, in north London, with passengers heard to shout offensive language and threats in opposition to Jews.

The Metropolitan Police stated they have been conscious of the incident in the St John’s Wood space and have been finishing up pressing enquiries to determine these accountable.

We are conscious of a video showing to point out anti-Semitic language being shouted from a convoy of vehicles in the St John’s Wood space this afternoon. Officers are finishing up pressing enquiries to determine these accountable. This kind of behaviour is not going to be tolerated.

— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) May 16, 2021

“This kind of behaviour is not going to be tolerated,” the pressure stated.

The footage, together with different incidents which have emerged following giant pro-Palestine rallies over the weekend, has acquired cross-party criticism.

Mr Johnson stated: “There isn’t any place for anti-Semitism in our society.

“Ahead of Shavuot, I stand with Britain’s Jews who mustn’t must endure the kind of shameful racism now we have seen right this moment.”

There isn’t any place for antisemitism in our society. Ahead of Shavuot, I stand with Britain’s Jews who mustn’t must endure the kind of shameful racism now we have seen right this moment.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 16, 2021

The UK’s Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as “completely disgusting.”

“Anti-Semitism, misogyny and hate don’t have any place on our streets or in our society,” he stated.

“There should be penalties.”

Utterly disgusting. Antisemitism, misogyny and hate don’t have any place on our streets or in our society. There should be penalties. https://t.co/a1asCAF9Ep

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 16, 2021

Referring to the video of the convoy, housing and communities secretary Robert Jenrick stated: “This, on the streets of London, is deeply disturbing.

“Vile, prison hatred like this should not be tolerated.”

In a press release Mr Jenrick continued: “Whatever your view of the battle in Israel and Gaza, there isn’t a justification for inciting anti-Jewish or anti-Muslim hatred.

“The incidents of anti-Semitism now we have seen in latest days have been shameful.

“Some of the language used on marches this weekend and in posts on social media is intimidating, prison and racist.

“We should not tolerate this vile, shameful hate in our nation. These actions should cease.”

UK cupboard minister Michael Gove described one other video showing to point out protesters shouting anti-Semitic abuse as “deeply regarding”.

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