Speaking after he chaired a Cobra meeting at Downing Street in response to the incident, the PM said: “It is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.”
Sir Keir Starmer said Britain must defeat “rising anti-Semitism” after two people were killed in a terror attack on a synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. The PM said: “It is a hatred that is rising once again, and Britain must defeat it once again.”
His comments came after two members of the Jewish community were killed and four others injured by a knifeman who had driven at worshippers gathered at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue before going on a stabbing spree.
The attacker, who was shot dead by armed cops, was only stopped from getting in to the building by a hero rabbi and security staff who held the doors shut. A large number of worshippers were making their way to the synagogue to mark Yom Kippur, a major Jewish holiday.
Security at synagogues had been increased in recent years amid growing anti-Semitism in recent years. Sir Keir said “Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection” and because of the daily threat of anti-Semitic hatred.
Speaking at Downing Street after chairing a Cobra meeting, he said: “Today’s horrific incident shows why. And 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.”
Sir Keir said the Jewish community in Britain will see a “more visible police presence” as he promised to do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.
He said: “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. And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears.
“Nobody should have to do that. Nobody. And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community.
“I promise you that over the coming days, you will see the other Britain, 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.”
A major response was scrambled at at 9.31am after police received reports a car had been driven at a crowd of people near the synagogue and the driver had then gone on the rampage with a knife.
Armed police were deployed to the scene and shot dead the knifeman within seven minutes. Police say they believe they know his identity, but are unable to confirm due to “safety reasons at the scene”.
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