UK Appoints Hamas-Linked Official to Oversee Hate Crime and Terrorism Cases

Andy Slaughter has been appointed as the Deputy Attorney General in the UK government, responsible for overseeing terrorism, hate crimes, and antisemitism cases, as well as advising on sanctions and arms sales. The appointment sparked sharp criticism due to Slaughter's controversial past, including a 2010 meeting with Hamas activists alongside Jeremy Corbyn during a visit to the West Bank, which was condemned by the Labour Friends of Israel group.

Over the years, Slaughter has faced accusations of endorsing claims that Israel fabricates reasons for attacks, justifying antisemitic content in Palestinian textbooks in 2021, and opposing 2024 legislation against boycotts of Israeli products. These positions have alarmed the Jewish community and political opponents alike.

Fiona Sharp, spokesperson for Labour Against Antisemitism, urged Slaughter to explicitly renounce these views amid rising antisemitism in the UK. Conservative shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy called the appointment a "disgrace" and said Slaughter has no place in government. Former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis warned that the Jewish community’s concerns about the country’s future under current Prime Minister Andy Burnham are justified.

The controversy follows Burnham’s own apology before becoming Prime Minister for his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer’s slow response to the Gaza conflict and calls for a ceasefire. A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s office defended Slaughter, highlighting his consistent condemnation of Hamas and support for a two-state solution to promote regional peace.