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Prime Minister Starmer to do ‘everything in my power’ to protect Jewish community following Manchester terror attack
This morning’s attack was against ‘Jews because they are Jews’, Starmer said
October 2, 2025 19:10
This morning’s attack was against ‘Jews because they are Jews’, Starmer said
October 2, 2025 19:10Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said Britain must “once again” defeat rising antisemitism following this morning’s terrorist attack at a north Manchester synagogue that claimed two lives, as he vows to increase visible security at Jewish sites throughout the country.
He said on this day, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, a “vile individual” committed this morning “terrorist attack” that “attacked Jews because they are Jews.”
Starmer said today’s “horrific incident” demonstrates why synagogues and Jewish centres around the country require “round the clock protection where dedicated specialist security is necessary because of the daily threat of antisemitic hatred.”
“While this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with, we must be clear: it is a hatred that is rising once again. And Britain must defeat it, once again.
“On behalf of the nation, I want to offer my condolences to the families and victims affected. I want to thank the Greater Manchester Police, the first responders, and those dedicated security specialists.
“There is no doubt whatsoever that they have prevented an even greater tragedy, and we thank them for their bravery.
“To every Jewish person in this country, I also want to say this: I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do. On behalf of our country, I express our solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.”
He went on to promise that he “will do everything in my power to guarantee the security that you deserve, starting with a more visibly police presence protecting your community.”
Over the coming days, he claimed, “you will see the other Britian. The Britain of compassion, of decency, of love. And I promise you that this Britain will come together to wrap our arms around your community and show you that Britain is a place where you and your family are safe, secure, and belong.”
The prime minister flew back to the UK today early from the European Political Community summit in Denmark to chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra meeting in response to the attack.
Responding to the Manchester attack following the end of Yom Kippur in Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to take a swipe at Starmer over his recognition of a Palestinian state.
He wrote on X: “As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism. Only strength and unity can defeat it.
“Israel grieves with the Jewish community in the UK after the barbaric terror attack in Manchester.”
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