'Huge element of truth' to claim that London is now a no-go zone for Jews

A WARNING by the Government's counter-extremism tsar that London's streets have become a "no-go zone for Jews" during pro-Palestinian protests contains "a huge element" of truth, it was claimed today.

- Anthony France

Robin Simcox, the commissioner for countering extremism, said the Government had let extremists go "unchallenged for too long", allowing some to fester in a "permissive environment for radicalisation".

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said ministers should be prepared to "move faster" and "be bolder" in taking action against groups even if that meant a "higher legal risk".

Mark Gardner, the chief executive of the Community Security Trust (CST) which provides security for Britain's Jewish community, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think as a headline it's deeply troubling, but it also contains a huge element of truth." Mr Gardner said CST "collected evidence" with the London Jewish Forum and submitted it to the Mayor's office and the Metropolitan Police.