PM Keir Starmer dashed back from Denmark earlier today to chair an emergency Cobra meeting after two people were killed at an attack on a synagogue in Manchester
Keir Starmer issues statement after Manchester synagogue attack
Keir Starmer has said Britain must defeat rising hatred of Jewish people after a terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
In a statement from No10, the Prime Minister offered his condolences to the victims’ families and those impacted in the “horrific incident”. He promised Jewish people the country will come together in the coming days to “wrap our arms around your community”.
“I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love,” Mr Starmer said as he thanked emergency workers and security staff who prevented an “even greater tragedy”.
It came as the PM cut short a meeting with European leaders in Denmark to hold an emergency Cobra meeting in London on the attack where two members of the Jewish community were killed at an attack on synagogue.
Four other people were seriously injured as Jewish people gathered on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Mr Starmer, who was joined by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and senior officials during the Cobra meeting, said that Jewish hatred was rising once again.
He said: “Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection, where dedicated specialist security is necessary because of the daily threat of antisemitic hatred.
“Today’s horrific incident shows why. And while this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with, we must be clear, it is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.
“On behalf of the nation, I want to offer my condolences to the families and victims affected. I want to thank the Greater Manchester police, the first responders and those dedicated security specialists, there is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy, and we thank them for their bravery.”
He said the Jewish community in Britain will see a “more visible police presence” as he promised to do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.
The Prime Minister added: “To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this. I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do.
“And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.
“And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community.
“I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, of decency, of love.
“And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure and belong.”