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Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to dedicate his “everything” to protecting Jewish people, asserting that Britain must resolutely combat antisemitic hatred.
The Prime Minister’s statement follows a fatal incident on Thursday involving a car and stabbing attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall, North Manchester, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
Condemning the “vile individual” responsible for the “horrific” attack, which occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Sir Keir conveyed his deepest condolences to the victims and their families, while also expressing gratitude to the first responders.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that four additional individuals remain hospitalized. The assailant was fatally shot by law enforcement at the scene.
In a recorded address to the Jewish community, Sir Keir acknowledged their fears, stating: “I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do… 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.”
He further noted the resurgence of hatred against Jews, affirming that “Britain must defeat it once again,” while reflecting on the historical refuge the UK has provided to Jewish people.
The Prime Minister cut short his attendance at the European Political Community summit in Denmark on Thursday to chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee and address the attack.
Numerous national figures and community leaders have released statements as the gravity of what happened becomes clear.
King Charles III, in a statement, expressed that he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news of the attack, “especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services,” the statement added.
The Israeli embassy in the UK has stated it is “in close contact” with the Manchester Jewish community, authorities, and the Community Security Trust (CST), a Jewish charity, to “ensure that the necessary support is provided.”
In a statement, the embassy conveyed that “such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, in a place of prayer and community, is abhorrent and deeply distressing.”
It added: “The thoughts and prayers of the people of Israel are with the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.”
The CST, while thanking the police and synagogue security for their response, characterized the incident as an “appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year” and stated its collaboration with the police and local Jewish community.
Yom Kippur is observed as a day of fasting and atonement, believed to be the day on which God seals the fate of individuals for the coming year. It is a day devoted to prayer and reflection, during which work is prohibited, and many attend synagogue services, even if they do not regularly do so.
Rabbi Jonathan Romain, emeritus rabbi of Maidenhead Synagogue, expressed that “our worst fears have been realised” after two years of efforts to prevent tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas war from “spilling over” into the UK.
“This is every Rabbi’s or every Jewish person’s worst nightmare,” he stated.
This sentiment was echoed by Imam Qari Asim, co-chairman of the British Muslim Network, who emphasized that the events in Manchester have “no place in our society,” and that “antisemitism in all its forms is totally unacceptable.”
“The bloodshed and violence in the Middle East – which is excruciatingly painful to witness for all of us – must not be allowed to poison our streets in Britain,” he stated.
Allama Qamaruzzaman AzmI, chief imam of Anwaar ul Haramain Jamé Masjid in north Manchester, affirmed “we stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbours and community” and his commitment to strengthening the bond between them.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, a leader within the Church of England, stated he was praying that “all may live alongside each other in harmony and respect.”
The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Dr David Walker, expressed concerns about the recent increase in divisive rhetoric in the UK and globally, cautioning against allowing it “to get ahead of our humanity.”
He emphasized that “short-term political gain is no excuse for long-term damage to the fabric of our communities.”
Figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the attack.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham stated on X: “We condemn whoever is responsible and will do everything within our power to keep people safe. We stand with GM’s Jewish community at this time and will work through the day to support them.”
Alex Hearn, co-director of Labour Against Antisemitism, told BBC News: “Many Jews understood it was never ‘if’ an attack like this was going to happen, it was ‘when’, because attacks against Jews have spiralled out of control and some mass attacks have already been foiled by the security services.”
However, he also expressed “a lot of anger” regarding what he described as “very little action” to address anti-Jewish hate being allowed to “flourish” and “take root in institutions.” He noted that synagogues and Jewish schools, including primary schools, have required security measures “for a long time.”
When asked about the synagogue attack in Manchester, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC it looks like “an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day” – calling it “vile and disgusting”.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey stated he was “horrified and appalled” and that his “thoughts are with the victims.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stated he was “horrified” and thinking of the Jewish community “who will be suffering at this time.”
Green Party leader Zack Polanski stated “so many of us are feeling the horrific scenes today that all come at a time of rising antisemitism,” noting that he himself “grew up and attended a synagogue in north Manchester.”
A man who was inside the Manchester synagogue evacuated by police says people were “calm and dignified”.
Police say a car was driven at members of the public during an incident in the Crumpsall area.
BBC Verify analyses footage circulating online showing the moment police opened fire on a suspect at a Manchester synagogue.
Two Jewish people died in a car and stabbing attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
A suspected terrorist attack on a synagogue in north Manchester happened at about 09:30 BST.
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