Harriet Harman has wished Britain’s Jewish community a very happy and peaceful new year.

The acting leader of the Labour Party and MP for Camberwell and Peckham, said: As we draw close to Rosh Hashanah I would like to wish the Jewish community in the UK and around the world a very happy and peaceful New Year.

“I know many Jews will use this opportunity to pray for peace and to reflect on what we can all do to help our communities thrive and flourish in the days and year ahead.

"I hope all your prayers for a sweet new year are answered and that we can look forward to a happy, healthy and prosperous year together.”

Ms Harman will step down from her leadership role when a new Labour leader is elected on September 25.

David and Ed Miliband, sons of Jewish Marxist thinker Ralph Miliband, are battling it out for the job.

Scottish first minister Alex Salmond also sent a Rosh Hashanah message to the JC. He said: "On behalf of the Scottish Government I extend my very best wishes to our Jewish communities the length and breadth of Scotland.

"It is also a good opportunity for people off all faiths and none to reflect on, and welcome, the significant contribution that the Jewish community makes to Scottish society.

"Scotland's Jewish community represents a remarkable achievement historically. It is less than 200 years since Jewish people first came to Scotland in significant numbers. From the moment they arrived, Jewish workers and entrepreneurs helped to grow Scotland's economy, while also making a positive and substantial impact on our culture.

"Over the years successive generations have made an invaluable contribution to our economic, cultural and social life. Charity is a fundamental principle of Judaism, and I welcome, and am grateful for, the active participation of the Jewish community in many welfare projects that benefit all our communities."

Salmond added: "I extend my very best wishes to the Jewish community for a 'Shanah tovah u metukah' - a good and sweet year for us all."