I know from my meetings and visits to synagogues across Hertsmere, including recently in Bushey and Radlett, how worried people are about rising anti-Semitism. I have been clear since I was first elected that we should show zero tolerance to anti-Semitism and I have made this point repeatedly in Parliament, including to the Prime Minister at PMQs.

It falls on all politicians to play their part in sending this message loud and clear. Last month there was a protest in Westminster against anti-Semitism organised by the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.  The event was spear-headed by Bushey resident and Board of Deputies President, Jonathan Arkush.

I was pleased to show my solidarity with many local residents, and was also pleased to see defiant Labour politicians there, such as Luciana Berger MP and John Mann MP.

We need to be clear though that in addressing anti-Semitism that we also need to address broader issues around virulent anti-Zionist and anti-Israel sentiment. This is something that I have done in my position as an Officer of the Conservative Friends of Israel. Indeed one of my last interventions in Parliament from the backbenches was to raise with the Home Secretary once again the outrage at the flag of the political wing of Hamas being flown for Al-Quds Day.

We must always remember the lessons of the past. This is something that was brought home to me in my first speech as a Minister when I had the honour of introducing Radlett Holocaust survivor, Harry Spiro, at the opening of the Holocaust Memorial Day event in Whitehall. It was held in the room at the Treasury where Churchill addressed the nation on VE Day. It is vital that we as a country and a community remember the Holocaust and never forget what history has taught us.