Sir Keir Starmer says Britain must defeat rising antisemitic hate after a terrorist killed two people in a car and knife attack outside a synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
The Prime Minister added this “is not a new hate” that is “rising once again”.
The suspect was shot dead by marksmen and two people were arrested following the attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester on Thursday.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said officers knew the name of the killer but could not yet reveal it.
Speaking from Downing Street after a Cobra meeting, Sir Keir told reporters: “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.”
This was a vile terrorist attack that attacked Jews, because they are Jews.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 2, 2025
Antisemitism is a hatred that is rising, once again. Britain must defeat it, once again.
To every Jewish person in this country: I promise that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the… pic.twitter.com/DAd9OaGNMc
According to the Community Security Trust since Hamas’s murderous October 7 attacks on southern Israel, anti-Jewish hate incidents have soared each year with 1,521 in the first six months of 2025.
Sir Keir Starmer said the Jewish communities will see a “more visible police presence” as he promised to do “everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve”.
The PM added 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.
“Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection, where dedicated specialist security is necessary because of the daily threat of antisemitic hatred.
“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.”
The attacker, who was wearing a vest which looked like an explosive device, was shot dead within seven minutes of the initial call to police.
The force confirmed the device the suspect was wearing was not viable.
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