A political storm has erupted over policing in Greater Manchester after Sir Keir Starmer launched a scathing attack on the government's handling of law and order, accusing ministers of failing Jewish communities amid rising antisemitism.
The Labour leader's intervention came during a heated exchange that saw Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch mount a robust defence of the Conservative government's record.
Starmer's Stinging Rebuke
Sir Keir didn't mince words when addressing what he described as a "serious crisis" within Greater Manchester Police. He pointed to specific concerns raised by Jewish communities about their safety and the police's ability to respond effectively to hate crimes.
"When Jewish communities are raising concerns about their security and the police's capacity to protect them, we know we're facing a fundamental breakdown in public safety," Starmer stated, highlighting what he sees as systemic failures in the government's approach to policing.
Badenoch's Counterattack
Ms Badenoch fired back with equal force, defending the government's track record on both police funding and combating antisemitism. She emphasised the Conservatives' commitment to supporting law enforcement while taking aim at Labour's credibility on the issue.
"This government has consistently backed our police forces with proper funding and resources," the Business Secretary asserted. "Meanwhile, Labour's record on antisemitism within their own party raises serious questions about their ability to lecture others on this issue."
Broader Implications
The clash represents more than just another political spat—it touches on several critical issues:
- The ongoing challenges facing police forces across England
- Growing concerns about antisemitism and hate crimes
- Community safety and public confidence in law enforcement
- The political battle over law and order ahead of the next general election
Both politicians appear to be drawing clear battle lines, with Starmer positioning Labour as the party that will restore trust in policing, while Badenoch portrays the Conservatives as the only party with a credible record on both supporting police and tackling antisemitism.
The intensity of the exchange suggests that law and order, particularly in relation to community safety and hate crimes, will feature prominently in the coming political battles.
