§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the content of the newspaper al-Akhbar; and what plans he has to monitor anti-Semitic propaganda. [67537]
§ Beverley HughesAllegations that articles in the al-Akhbar newspaper contain extreme anti-semitic language have been reported to the police and are being investigated.
We are very much aware of the deep anxiety extreme language causes to the Jewish community, particularly at a time when, following the terrorist atrocities in the United States and the current difficult situation in the Middle East, it is inevitably feeling vulnerable.
The investigation of behaviour or material that may incite racial hatred under Part III of the Public Order Act 1986 is an operational matter for the police. However, the increase in the maximum penalty for incitement to racial hatred from two to seven years' imprisonment, a change we made as part of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, is a clear indication of the seriousness with which we view this offence. I would continue to encourage anyone to report to the police any material they believe breaches the incitement to racial hatred laws.
222WThe police and Jewish bodies continue to work closely to safeguard Jewish people and property. We are in close touch with the Community Security Trust of the British Board of Deputies, which provides up-to-date details of anti-Semitic activity in the UK, such as assaults and criminal damage.