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17th May 2021

Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer condemn anti-Semitic chanting in viral video

Claudia McInerney

The anti-Semitic video went viral over the weekend

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Keir Starmer have condemned the anti-Semitic chanting video which has gone viral after being posted at the weekend.

In the video, which was posted on social media, cars with Palestinian flags can be seen driving down a street in Finchley road, north London, whilst a man shouts anti-Semitic abuse using a megaphone from one of the vehicles.

The Prime Minister said on Twitter yesterday evening: “There is no place for antisemitism in our society. Ahead of Shavuot, I stand with Britain’s Jews who should not have to endure the type of shameful racism we have seen today.”

The Labour leader also condemned the attacks yesterday evening.

In response to the viral video, Starmer said on Twitter: “Utterly disgusting. Antisemitism, misogyny and hate have no place on our streets or in our society. There must be consequences.”

London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan responded to the anti-Semitic abuse, saying: “Hate crimes are inexcusable and have no place in our city. I’ve been in touch with the Met Police Commissioner about the appalling reports of antisemitic attacks this weekend.”

Following the incident, four men have been arrested in connection with the video which seemed to contain anti-Semitic language.

In a statement released last night, the Met police said: “Police received reports of people shouting anti-Semitic abuse from a car travelling within a convoy of vehicles through the St John’s Wood area on the afternoon of Sunday, 16 May.

“Enquiries were carried out and officers traced a car to the A40 in Hillingdon. The police helicopter was deployed and officers stopped the car at approximately 18:30hrs.

“Four men were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences. They were taken into custody at a west London police station where they remain.”

Superintendent Jo Edwards said: “This behaviour was utterly shocking and will not be tolerated.”