Greater Manchester Police has issued a formal apology to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer following what it described as an "unacceptable" antisemitic comment made by one of its officers about the politician's family.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening when officers were conducting security patrols around the Labour leader's family home in Manchester. During the patrol, a police officer made what the force has since acknowledged was an inappropriate remark concerning Sir Keir's wife and her Jewish background.
Force Takes Immediate Action
In a statement released on Saturday, Greater Manchester Police confirmed they had taken "immediate action" upon learning of the incident. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts personally contacted Sir Keir to offer a formal apology on behalf of the force.
"We have made Sir Keir Starmer aware of this incident and I have offered him a personal apology for the offence this has caused," ACC Potts stated. "The comment was unacceptable and we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness."
Labour Leader's Response
Sir Keir Starmer, who has faced multiple antisemitic incidents targeting his family in recent years, acknowledged the apology from police authorities. A spokesperson for the Labour leader confirmed they had accepted the force's apology and considered the matter closed.
This incident comes amid heightened security concerns for the Labour leader, who has previously spoken about the abuse directed at his family due to his wife's Jewish heritage. The Starmer family has required increased police protection in recent years following several threatening incidents.
Ongoing Investigation
While Greater Manchester Police has not disclosed specific details about the disciplinary measures taken against the officer involved, they confirmed the matter is being dealt with through "appropriate internal processes." The force emphasised their commitment to tackling hate crime in all its forms.
"We do not tolerate any form of hate crime and we are committed to working with all communities," ACC Potts added in his statement.
The incident has raised questions about police conduct and the persistence of antisemitic attitudes, even within institutions responsible for public protection and community safety.
