A majority of people in the United Kingdom now view antisemitism as a major problem in society, according to a new YouGov survey conducted in the aftermath of the recent stabbing attack targeting Jewish men in Golders Green, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The poll found that 63% of Britons believe prejudice against Jews is either a major or significant issue, making antisemitism the highest-ranked form of discrimination among the 11 categories included in the survey.
Prejudice against Muslims ranked second, with 57% describing Islamophobia as a major or significant problem. Concerns about discrimination against transgender people, women, disabled people, black people, and other minority groups followed behind.
The findings come amid growing concern over antisemitic violence and intimidation across Britain. Recent incidents include the Golders Green stabbing attack, fatal violence at a synagogue in Manchester, and a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish institutions and emergency vehicles linked to the Jewish community.
The survey revealed notable demographic differences. Older Britons, particularly those aged over 50, were more likely to view antisemitism as a serious societal issue, while concern was lowest among 18–24-year-olds.
Younger respondents stood out as the only age group more likely to prioritise prejudice against other minorities over antisemitism. Seven in ten younger Britons described anti-Muslim prejudice as a major problem, while majorities also pointed to discrimination against black people, women, and transgender individuals.
Political divisions were also reflected in attitudes towards antisemitism within political parties. Supporters of left-leaning parties were more likely to associate antisemitism with right-wing parties, while conservative voters tended to point towards parties on the left.
Despite several recent controversies involving antisemitism allegations within the Green Party of England and Wales, only a quarter of respondents believed the party had a significant antisemitism problem. Larger proportions identified problems within Labour Party and Reform UK.
The survey found stronger public consensus regarding Islamophobia in politics, with nearly half of respondents saying Reform UK had a significant problem with anti-Muslim prejudice.
The poll was conducted during a period of heightened anxiety within Britain’s Jewish community, following months of rising antisemitic incidents across the country.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently stated that antisemitism “will not be tolerated” and pledged further action to improve Jewish security.
“It is not enough to say, ‘We stand with Jewish communities,’” Starmer said. “We must show it and act it. We can’t accept a future where communities feel safe only behind higher walls.”
The findings reflect growing public awareness of antisemitism in Britain, as attacks against Jewish individuals and institutions continue to fuel concern about community safety and social cohesion.
Photo credit: STEFAN ROUSSEAU/POOL VIA REUTERS
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