Overview

• Julian Foulkes, 71, was arrested on November 2, 2023, and held for eight hours after warning on social media about rising anti-Semitism in response to a pro-Palestinian activist’s post
• Kent Police officers searched his home, scrutinised his book collection and issued a caution for malicious communications that was later deleted as a mistake
• Chief Constable Tim Smith personally apologised to Foulkes and the force agreed an out-of-court settlement of £20,000 plus legal costs
• The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to investigate its handling of non-crime hate incidents
• Free Speech Union backing and criticism from the Shadow Home Secretary have intensified pressure to abolish non-crime hate incident powers and strengthen police accountability