On Wednesday, the British government announced that it is increasing security for lawmakers because of an escalation in personal threats resulting from the war in Gaza.
The country’s Home Office has revealed that £31 million will be allocated to give parliamentarians a “dedicated named police contact” and subsidize any necessary private protective measures.
Since Jerusalem's response to the October massacre by the Hamas terrorist organization, the United Kingdom has faced regular anti-Israel protests that in some incidences have attracted hundreds of thousands of people. These almost weekly demonstrations include displays of overt antisemitism and comparisons of the Jewish state with Nazism.
Demonstrators have even targeted the home of pro-Israel Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood.
Home Secretary James Cleverly has publicly called for the cessation of the marches, and warned participants that he is considering increasing the amount of notice that organizers must give the police.
The dangers to Israel-supporting politicians in the U.K. have caused Conservative MP Mike Freer to declare that he would not seek re-election due to death threats related to his support of the IDF's current military operations. Two individuals have been charged in the Christmas Eve firebombing of his north London constituency office.
Earlier this month, Freer told the Daily Mail that he and his staff have resorted to wearing puncture-resistant vests in public places.
In 2021, Conservative MP David Amess, was stabbed to death by a citizen of Somali origin who was reported to be an Islamic State sympathizer. The 69-year-old's murder was noted by then Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid who called him, "a true friend of Israel."
Related Story: BBC Employees Reportedly Instructed Not to Attend London March Against Antisemitism
