THE Labour group on Brent Council's has welcomed the report of the all-party inquiry into anti-Semitism, which has been delivered to the Prime Minister.

The borough has a well-established Jewish community of about 6,500 people.

The inquiry panel of 14 MPs said it had found an increase in anti-Semitism had been exacerbated by the increased tensions in the Middle East.

Evidence presented to it by the Community Security Trust showed an "alarming" increase in the number of anti-Semitic attacks since 1999.

The MPs said that all police forces should be made to record anti-Semitic incidents.

Such a duty already exists in relation to racist crimes.

They also called for better education about anti-Semitism in schools and a crackdown on anti-Jewish activity on university campuses.

Brent's Labour opposition leader, Cllr Ann John, said: "Anti-Semitism is one of the oldest and most pernicious forms of racism but one which we thought was in decline.

"This report proves otherwise and, whilst we in Brent are rightly proud of our diversity and our good community relations, we must remain vigilant against those who attack the Jewish community whatever the pretext.

"Racism of any kind undermines our common humanity and devalues us all.

"I hope that all of the recommendations of the All Party report are implemented and local authorities have a clear role in that."