Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to strengthen police numbers in Jewish communities across the country after Thursday’s terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Manchester. Calling the incident an act of antisemitism, he said the country would stand up to the hatred behind it.
Speaking from Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee, Starmer said: “Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.” He vowed a more visible police presence, adding: “I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve.”
Other party leaders condemned the attack. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stressed the need for Britain to remain a safe country for Jewish people, noting an increase in antisemitism since October 7. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said he was “horrified and appalled”, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage offered his thoughts and prayers. Green party leader Zack Polanski, who grew up near the synagogue, called it a “dreadful act of terror” reflecting growing antisemitism.
At a press conference, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the attack as “a horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours”. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said security had been stepped up at synagogues nationwide and promised the government would “do whatever is required to keep our Jewish community safe”. Burnham urged solidarity, saying: “Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked.”
