Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to boost police presence in Jewish communities across the UK following a deadly terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Two people were killed and three injured on Thursday when a man drove into the grounds of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Crumpsall before stabbing worshippers in what police have described as an antisemitic terror attack.
Speaking from Downing Street after chairing a COBRA emergency meeting, Starmer condemned the attack as “a vile act of antisemitism” targeting both British Jews and the values of the country.
“On Yom Kippur, a vile individual attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values, and this country provided refuge to many Jewish families fleeing the greatest evil in history. We don’t just offer refuge, we offer a home.”
Starmer pledged a swift and visible security response: “You will see a more visible police presence protecting your community. I promise to do everything in my power to guarantee the security you deserve.”
He added: “In the coming days, you will see the other Britain, the Britain of compassion, decency, and love.”
Starmer returned to the UK from a European Political Community summit in Copenhagen earlier in the day to address the crisis.
Leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, said: “Britain must remain a safe country for Jewish people. What we’ve seen since October 7 is a growing climate of intimidation and antisemitism.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said he was horrified and appalled by the attack, while Reform UK’s Nigel Farage expressed his condolences to the victims and praised emergency services for their response.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish and grew up near the scene, said the attack feels deeply personal, and pointed to the rise in hate crimes and the urgent need for interfaith solidarity.
At a press conference in Manchester, Mayor Andy Burnham condemned the incident as “a horrific antisemitic attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours.”
He stood alongside Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who confirmed that security had been increased at synagogues nationwide. “We will do whatever is required to keep our Jewish community safe,” she said, adding that investigations were ongoing.
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig reassured residents that the city stands in solidarity with its Jewish community: “We will wrap our arms around them with the love and support they need.”
Burnham echoed that sentiment: “Greater Manchester will never stand aside when one of our communities is attacked. We stand together, always.”
