Ed Miliband has said he is inspired by the Jewish community and is proud to be a part of it in his Pesach message.

In a letter to British Jews the Labour leader said: “I want to send my warmest good wishes to the entire British Jewish community.

“Pesach is a fitting time for me to express my gratitude to the community and my admiration for its values. This is a community which inspires the nation and with whom, I feel proud to be a part of.”

He said it was a time to think of freedom and liberation: “It is a festival of families of songs, of matzah, of wine and so much more.

“But for me above all else Pesach is the festival of freedom, it is the day when some will tell the great story of liberation. This Exodus story has served as an inspiration to so many over the centuries.

“It became the backdrop to all who struggled for freedom, proving again and again that justice and human dignity will prevail.

“There is perhaps no other festival in the calendar with such powerful symbols, with such a strong message and which carries such deep emotions for Jews around the world – young and old.”

Mr Miliband said: “This Pesach we rededicate ourselves to the vision of the Exodus - to stand against tyranny wherever it rears its head and to build a society in which we can feel free.”