The UK government has announced a major security package worth more than £250 million ($335 million) to improve the safety of Jewish communities across the next three years. The funding aims to increase police presence in areas with large Jewish populations and improve protection around schools, synagogues, and community centres. The government announced on Monday after a series of antisemitic attacks raised concerns over public safety.

The new investment will recruit more than 500 additional police officers across England and Wales. These officers will patrol Jewish neighbourhoods and protect important community locations. The government said the stronger police presence will help prevent hate crimes and offer reassurance to local residents.

The decision follows several recent attacks linked to Jewish communities. In March, unknown attackers set fire to four Jewish community ambulances in London. The incident shocked local residents and increased concerns over security. Another serious attack took place in April when a man carried out an antisemitic stabbing in north London. After that incident, Britain raised its national terrorism threat level from "substantial" to "severe."

The latest funding comes in addition to the £25 million support package the government announced after the April stabbing attacks. Officials said the new investment will allow police forces to expand security operations in areas that face higher risks of antisemitic incidents.

Around 300 of the new officers will serve in London, where many Jewish families and organisations are based. Greater Manchester will receive around 80 additional officers. The area has also witnessed attacks in recent years, including an assault on a synagogue last year. The government will also provide £43 million to police forces in other parts of England and Wales that have significant Jewish populations. This funding will help local authorities improve security measures according to their needs.

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer said tackling antisemitism has remained one of his priorities throughout his time in office. He said, "The rise in antisemitism we have seen in recent years is a test of our values as a country and tackling it has been central to my leadership from day one."

The government has also allocated £86 million to London's Metropolitan Police. The force will use the funding to strengthen policing across the capital and improve protection in vulnerable areas. Another £59 million will support counter-terrorism policing. Officials believe stronger intelligence and security operations will help reduce the threat of extremist attacks targeting Jewish communities.

The government said police officers will increase patrols during periods of greater risk. Officers will remain visible near schools, synagogues, community centres, and other important locations. Authorities expect the additional patrols to discourage hate crimes and antisemitic incidents while helping residents feel safer in their daily lives.

The funding reflects the government's wider effort to respond to growing concerns over antisemitism in the country. Recent attacks have increased pressure on authorities to strengthen security and improve protection for communities that face repeated threats. Officials believe the expanded police presence and additional resources will help improve public confidence while supporting law enforcement agencies in responding quickly to any future incidents.

The government said this long-term investment will strengthen security across England and Wales and improve coordination between local police forces and counter-terrorism teams. The package will allow authorities to maintain stronger protection for Jewish communities over the next three years. Officials hope the measures will reduce the risk of future attacks and provide greater reassurance to people living in affected areas.