UK pledges wider legislation to tackle state-sponsored threats after London stabbings
Government Response to Recent State-Sponsored Threats
Introduction of New Legislation
LONDON, April 30 (Reuters) - Britain's government on Thursday said it would introduce new legislation to tackle state-sponsored threats carried out by proxies, after two Jewish men were stabbed in north London in an apparent antisemitic attack on Wednesday.
Security minister Dan Jarvis told Times Radio the government would fast track legislation which would allow the prosecution of people acting as a proxy of a state-sponsored group under Britain's National Security Act.
The government said the new powers would mean proxies could be dealt with in the same way as foreign intelligence services.
Context of Recent Attacks
Spate of Incidents Targeting Jewish Community
The plans were announced after Wednesday's stabbings, which follow a spate of recent attacks, many involving arson, on Jewish targets in London. Last October, two people and an attacker were killed after a man drove at a synagogue in the northern English city of Manchester.
National Security Concerns
Britain's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall, told the BBC the attacks had become "the biggest national security emergency" since 2017, when there were a string of high profile attacks.
Suspected Foreign Involvement
Iranian Links to Attacks
The attacks have occurred amid warnings from security officials that Iran has sought to use criminal proxies to carry out hostile activity.
Police said after an arson attack at a synagogue this month that they were investigating possible Iranian links to the incidents. A pro-Iranian government group has said it was responsible.
Government Measures to Protect the Jewish Community
Increased Funding for Security
Financial Support Details
Jarvis also said on Thursday that there would be an additional 25 million pounds ($33.65 million) to protect the Jewish community, which the government said brings the total funding this year to 58 million pounds.
($1 = 0.7429 pounds)
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Muvija M, writing by Sam Tobin; Editing by Kate Holton)
