A slew of threats and attacks induces pro-Israel British MP Mike Freer to leave politics

With Britain gearing up for parliamentary elections this fall, Conservative Mike Freer, a staunchly pro-Israel MP for the Finchley and Golders Green constituency, threw a cat among the pigeons by announcing his intention to stand down, citing concerns for his personal safety and the “intolerable stress” he has experienced. This, even though the polls suggest he would comfortably win the seat again.

Freer, who has been involved in politics for 34 years and an MP since 2010, has been the target of a number of attacks and threats, most recently an arson attack on his constituency office in December that he said was the “final straw.”

In a chilling revelation, police investigating the October 2021 murder of pro-Israel Essex MP Sir David Amess discovered that the murderer, Ali Harbi Ali, had visited Freer’s office in the month prior to killing Amess, although Freer was absent at the time due to a last-minute change of plans. Freer believes he escaped death “by a fluke,” and he and his staff began wearing stab vests at public events.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was “extremely saddened” by the news, condemning the “vitriolic hatred” that the MP had faced as an attack on British democracy.

As the MP representing the North-West London Orthodox Jewish community, Mr. Freer is regarded as a trusted friend and vocal campaigner for Jewish causes, and is a member of Conservative Friends of Israel (as was David Amess).

Avi Lazarus, CEO of the Federation of Synagogues, recalls the time when, called upon to support the efforts of lobbying group Shechita UK, Freer took a trip to a Staffordshire abattoir to understand the topic firsthand.

“Mike has served our local kehillah with steadfast loyalty, dedication, and personal care for decades,” Lazarus said. “His advocacy in Parliament will be sorely missed.”

We sat down with Mike Freer to discuss his announcement and what it means for the state of politics in the UK.