Grave situation for Jews in Britain
THE UK has always been a tolerant nation.
Different cultures and religious faiths have been rightly proud to celebrate what united them.
A portrait of ex-Prime Minister Lord Balfour hanging at Trinity College, Cambridge, was slashed by a pro-Palestine protester[/caption]
So the warning today by the Government’s anti-Semitism Tsar that Britain risks becoming a hostile place for Jews is of grave concern.
As Lord Mann states, the fact that Jewish schoolchildren have been branded baby murderers by classmates is horrific.
It is the young who are bearing the brunt of this appalling hatred.
The situation has become so serious that Jewish sixth form students have received training to combat the anti- Semitic sentiments which flourish unchecked in our most prestigious universities.
On Friday, a portrait of ex-Prime Minister Lord Balfour hanging at Trinity College, Cambridge, was slashed by a pro-Palestine protester.
The absurd justification for this vandalism was Balfour’s early attempt to create a Jewish homeland more than a century ago.
Despite gloats on social media about this criminal act, no one has been arrested.
Little wonder that many Jews are afraid when our police seem so inert in the face of pro-Palestine agitators.
The torrent of anti-Semitic abuse was unthinkable just a few months ago.
It cannot be permitted any longer.
But, equally, this must never tip over into anti-Muslim hatred.
We must take robust action to protect the freedoms all communities enjoy here.
Future generations will never forgive us if we fail.
Peace takes cash
WHEN quizzed about our sluggish economy Chancellor Jeremy Hunt never hesitates to cite Ukraine.
Of course, the war with Russia has sent shockwaves through our economy.
But his constant claims about the impact of the conflict makes his failure to fund our Armed Forces absolutely shameful.
The military face a £29billion black hole as the menace of Vladimir Putin looms ever larger.
Now, as the ink on the Budget is barely dry, two Tory ministers have launched a Defence rebellion.
Former Afghan veteran Tom Tugendhat and trade minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan have demanded an urgent hike in spending to the 2.5 per cent figure.
Ministers keep telling us that the world has never been more dangerous.
Wars have no respect for economic conditions.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor must heed the rebel Tory warning — and keep our nation safe.