Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have both posted online Passover messages to the community as the coronavrus lockdown continues.

Repeating his contribution to JC this week - where he spoke of this being a Pesach like "none of us have known before'' as a result of the need to avoid large extended family Seder gatherings - Mr Jenrick said the Jewish people have always ''proven itself to be resilient and adaptable".

He added that, despite the devastating impact of Covid 19, the "weft and the weave of communities feels somehow stronger than ever.

''And the primacy of family and faith, of health and of kindness feels more apparent than I can remember.''

The Newark MP confirmed he would be experimenting with a "Zoom seder'' in the company of his Israeli-born wife and their three children.

Meanwhile, in his Pesach message, Sir Keir once again repeated his apology to the community over Labour's failure on antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn.

He said: "I wanted to send my warmest wishes as you prepare for the Seder meal" before adding that he recognised the impact of Covid 19 would prevent families gathering in a way that would be "very difficult' for some in the community.

But Sir Keir said the Passover message of "liberation" would continue to "inspire this year whatever the circumstances.''

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 on Monday, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis offered words of encouragement to the new Labour leader.

Rabbi Mirvis said: "I welcome Sir Keir's comments since assuming the role as leader of the Labour Party.

"He has recognised there is only one thing that matters and that is action.

"I hope he will indeed take swift and decisive action to eradicate the scourge of antisemitism from within the Labour Party."