Boris Johnson has praised Mitzvah Day as “a wonderful tradition that I am once again proud to be able to support”.

With an estimated 25,000 people nationwide taking part in today’s day of social action, the Prime Minister said:“I am filled with so much pride to see the thousands of volunteers who every year donate their time to do something positive for their communities.

“It is inspiring to see that despite the reduced events last year due to Covid restrictions, volunteers have returned in full force and have found Covid-safe ways of working together.

Mr Johnson added that “this Jewish-led day is an excellent example of the generosity and good spirit of the British public”.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who last year took part in a synagogue-based Mitzvah Day event, said he was “very much looking forward” to doing so again.

“We can all learn from the Jewish values behind Mitzvah Day of tikkun olam, healing our world, and gemilut chasadim, acts of loving kindness.”

And in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon noted that “our faith and belief communities achieve great things when they work and act together - and Mitzvah Day is a perfect example of that.

“By donating time rather than money, those taking part make a difference to the projects they support whilst also building and strengthening relationships with their friends and neighbours from different faith backgrounds."