Prime Minister David Cameron has praised the British Jewish community and wished it a happy and peaceful Pesach.

“I send my very best wishes to Jewish communities in Britain and internationally celebrating Passover this year,” he said.

“The fact that millions of people are observing a festival which is thousands of years old shows the enduring and positive strength of your faith in our world.

“And it is right that the story of the Exodus - the freeing of oppressed peoples - is not forgotten. I join you in the hope and determination that a lasting peace can be found for Israel and the wider region.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to praise the British Jewish community for their significant historic and continued contribution to life in the UK, which has helped make Britain the richly diverse and inclusive place it is today.”

Foreign Secretary William Hague added: “I want to send my warmest wishes to Jewish communities in Britain and across the world. Passover marks the release of the Children of Israel from slavery. It is a joyous time for Jews around the world as they come together to celebrate liberty and freedom. "

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg extended his happy Passover message to "Jewish communities across the UK.

“It is a festival that celebrates self reliance and the determination to be free, despite the difficulties that might stand in your way.

“It is also time for reflection, where the Exodus story is told around the Seder table and passed from one generation to the next.

“For everyone who is celebrating Passover, I wish you Chag Sameach.”

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "I would like to send my warmest wishes to all those here in Britain and across the world celebrating Passover.

"As you gather around the Seder table with your family and friends, we remember the passage of the children of Israel from slavery to freedom.

"As we celebrate our freedom, we take the time to remember those who still live in oppression. It is a time to consider how we can stand up against injustice, intolerance, and the lack of opportunity which we see around us, so that in celebrating our own freedom, we can also extend the freedom of others."