Headlines
UK's Starmer Worried by Foreign-Backed Proxy Attacks in Britain
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 23, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleQuick Summary
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expresses deep concern over increasing use of foreign state proxies—possibly linked to Iran—to carry out arson attacks on Jewish-linked sites in Britain, and pledges new legislation to combat this hybrid threat.
UK's Starmer Vows Action on Rising Foreign-Backed Proxy Attacks in Britain
Government Response to Recent Proxy Attacks
Prime Minister's Statement on Proxy Attacks
LONDON, April 23 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday he was "increasingly concerned" about a growing use of proxies by foreign states to carry out attacks in Britain, pledging to bring forward new legislation following recent attacks.
Overview of Recent Attacks in London
Targeted Sites and Ongoing Investigations
London has seen a string of attacks - mostly arson - on Jewish-linked sites in recent weeks. Some of these are being investigated by counter-terrorism officers, although police say they are not currently being treated as terrorist incidents.
Authorities' Perspective on Foreign Involvement
British authorities have increasingly pointed to hostile state activity as part of the backdrop to recent incidents, warning that foreign governments may seek to operate through criminal networks or proxies to maintain deniability.
Starmer's Visit to Jewish Community and Legislative Plans
Meeting at Kenton United Synagogue
"I'm increasingly concerned that a number of countries are using proxies for attacks in this country," he said, speaking after meeting members of the Jewish community at Kenton United Synagogue, which was the target of an arson attack last Sunday.
Details of the Arson Incident
Impact and Legal Proceedings
The fire caused minor smoke damage to an internal room and there were no injuries. A 17-year-old British boy pleaded guilty on Tuesday to arson not endangering life in connection with the incident.
Call for Legislative Action
"We have to deal with malign state actors," Starmer said, adding that it would require legislation by the government.
Starmer's Vision for Security and Unity
"I want this country to be a place where everybody feels safe and secure. This is not just a battle for the Jewish community," Starmer said. "It is our battle. The Britain that I want is a Britain where people can practice their religion, their faith, in safety and security."
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by William James)
Key Takeaways
- •Starmer warns of ‘malign state actors’ using proxies to attack Britain, urging urgent legislative action.
- •Recent weeks have seen multiple arson attacks targeting synagogues, Jewish ambulances and community sites in London.
- •Authorities suspect Iranian-linked proxy groups; investigations led by Counter Terrorism Policing and increased security resources are underway.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK's Starmer worried by foreign-backed proxy attacks in Britain
1What concerns did UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raise about security?
Keir Starmer expressed increasing concern about foreign states using proxies to carry out attacks in Britain, especially after attacks on Jewish-linked sites.
2What type of incidents have recently occurred in London?
There have been a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish-linked sites in London in recent weeks.
3Are the recent London attacks being treated as terrorism?
Police are investigating some incidents but currently do not classify them as terrorism.
4What did Starmer suggest as a response to these attacks?
Starmer pledged to introduce new legislation to address threats from malign state actors using proxies for attacks.
5What message did Starmer give to the Jewish community?
Starmer reassured the Jewish community that ensuring everyone's safety and the right to practice their faith freely is a priority for Britain.
