Sadiq Khan warns against hate crime as 'tensions will rise' after 'Iran launches missiles at Israel'

Mourners and partisans attend the funeral of three persons killed overnight by an Israeli airstrike that targeted the Palestinian refugees camp of Ain al Helwe near the southern Lebanese city of Sidon
-Credit: (Image: MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images)


Sadiq Khan has warned against a rise in hate crime in London amid increased tensions in the Middle East. The Metropolitan Police Service says that 'fears and tensions' are expected to 'rise here at home'.

Since October last year, police say they have seen a 'really concerning rise' in hate crime with both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic offences 'increasing significantly'. The BBC reports that Iran launched missiles towards Israel this afternoon (Tuesday, October 1). The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urged Israelis to 'remain alert and precisely follow the home front command's instructions'.

It comes after Israeli troops invaded Lebanon, in what has been called a 'limited, localised and targeted' ground operation against Hezbollah. Hamas-led militant groups launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

READ MORE: Customers told to 'stay extra vigilant' after cyber attack at 10 London railway stations

Sadiq Khan, Mayor, City of London speaks onstage
Sadiq Khan has warned against a rise in hat crime in London as a result of events in the Middle East -Credit:Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Concordia Summit

The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reports that approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed. In August, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that more than 40,000 Palestinians had been killed as a result of Israeli military action since October 7.

Today, the Mayor of London has called for the city's residents to 'stand united and not let the appalling escalation in the conflict in Lebanon and Israel lead to an increase in hate crime here'. City Hall has also released £875,000 to 'empower grassroot groups to tackle hate, intolerance and extremism in their communities'.

A spokesperson for the Mayor said that the cash will help to 'counter steep rises in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crime and the growth of far-right narratives online'.

'Stand united against all forms of hate'

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We know that an escalation in conflict in the Middle East often leads to an increase in hate crime here in London. With the appalling further escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and the region, I’m appealing to Londoners to continue to look out for their friends and neighbours whatever their faith and backgrounds and stand united against all forms of hate.

“We have seen an abhorrent and completely unacceptable rise in hate crime over the last year – particularly antisemitism and Islamophobia which has profoundly impacted our Jewish and Muslim communities in London. I’m determined to continue to work in partnership with community, faith and police leaders to ensure everyone in the capital feels safe and is safe.

“Hate crime comes in many forms and I’m determined to tackle it head on by investing in grassroots projects which empower our communities to stand up to hate and intolerance where they are, so that we can stop the spread of hateful narratives, reject extremist ideologies and do more to safeguard vulnerable young Londoners from radicalisation and misinformation online.

“At a time of rising tension and online hate, this scheme will continue to build bridges across communities, embrace what we have in common and help ensure Londoners of all backgrounds and faiths feel welcome, safe and can thrive.”

'We know that fears and tensions will rise here at home too'

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Nobody should feel unsafe or in fear going about their lives in this city, certainly not on the basis of their race or religion. Since October last year we have seen a really concerning rise in hate crime with both antisemitic and Islamophobic offences increasing significantly.

"For the past year we have had a dedicated policing operation tackling hate crime in communities, responding to significant protest, countering extremism and terrorism, and working to provide reassurance particularly in parts of London with significant Jewish and Muslim populations. As the situation in the Middle East becomes less certain once again, we know that fears and tensions will rise here at home too.

"Our work, which is underpinned by engagement with community representatives and with our key partners, will continue. Together, we are determined to demonstrate that there will be no tolerance for hate crime in London.”

Want more from MyLondon? Sign up to our daily newsletters for all the latest and greatest from across London here.