Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has demanded an explanation from Greater Manchester Police after officers referred to him by his religion during a security alert, raising serious questions about police identification procedures.
The incident occurred when police were responding to a security concern involving the Labour leader. According to reports, officers described Sir Keir as "the Jewish" in their communications, rather than using his name or position.
Police Under Scrutiny for Identification Methods
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. A police spokesperson stated they are examining whether their officers followed appropriate protocols when identifying individuals during operational matters.
The matter came to light following inquiries about the security incident, prompting concerns about why religion was used as a primary identifier for a public figure.
Starmer's Office Seeks Clarification
Sources close to Sir Keir confirmed that his office has contacted police authorities seeking clarification about the incident. The Labour leader's team emphasised the importance of proper identification procedures, particularly for high-profile individuals involved in security situations.
Sir Keir Starmer, who has spoken openly about his wife's Jewish heritage and his family's connection to the Jewish community, has previously addressed antisemitism within political circles and public institutions.
Community Leaders Express Concern
The incident has drawn attention from community leaders and organisations monitoring religious discrimination. Many have questioned whether similar identification methods would be used for individuals of other faiths or backgrounds.
Greater Manchester Police has assured that they take all matters of professional standards seriously and will provide appropriate updates once their review is complete.
