Synagogue attacker who killed two was a ‘terrorist targeting Jews because they are Jews’, says Starmer – latest updates

October 2, 2025

Synagogue attacker who killed two was a ‘terrorist targeting Jews because they are Jews’, says Starmer – latest updates

Keir Starmer condemned a “terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews”, committed by “a vile individual”.

Speaking from Downing Street after a Cobra meeting, the prime minister said:

Earlier today, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day for the Jewish community, a vile individual committed a terrorist attack that attacked Jews because they are Jews, and attacked Britain because of our values.

So many Jewish families first came to this country as a place of refuge, fleeing the greatest evil ever inflicted on a people, and Britain welcomed them.

Communities like the one attacked in Manchester provided safety, but also the security that comes from a promise that this is a country that stands up to hatred and that we don’t just provide refuge, we provide a home.

Starmer 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 added:

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.