‘HIGH VISIBILITY’ POLICE PATROLS IN UK AMID HATE CRIME FEARS

Tue 10 October 2023:

British Transport Police is carrying out “high visibility patrols” to ensure communities feel safe following the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“Everyone has the right to travel safely, and no one should be targeted because of who they are,” the police force said.

It comes as several warnings have been issued about hate crime incidents increasing across the UK when unrest in the Middle East erupts.

“We understand the wide-reaching effect the conflict overseas has on our communities and extend our full support to those impacted,” the BTP added.

“We are working with the rail industry and our community partners to ensure those using the rail network feel safe and protected wile they travel, including conducting high-visibility patrols.”

It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vowed to “hold people to account” if they are found to be supporting Hamas in Britain.

Hamas, the Palestinian military group behind the surprise strikes on Israel on Saturday, which left more than 1,000 people dead, is proscribed as a terror organisation in the UK.

Sunak told broadcasters on Tuesday that police have been given “clear guidance” to “clamp down on any behaviour that falls foul of the law”.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has sparked reactions in UK communities, with three people arrested during protests and vigils on Monday evening.

UK Foreign Office flies Israel flag

The UK Foreign Office has raised the Israel flag above its offices in London this afternoon.

It comes after several iconic buildings including the Houses of Parliament and Bank of England were lit up with the colours of the Israeli flag last night.

Today we have raised the #Israel flag as a sign of support and solidarity 🇬🇧 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/6JADBSysAy

— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) October 10, 2023