Keir Starmer will depart a European conference in Denmark ahead of schedule to lead an urgent Cobra meeting following an assault on a synagogue in Manchester.
The Prime Minister expressed shock and disgust over the incident, stating that additional police resources are being dispatched to synagogues nationwide.
In a social media post, he condemned the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall, particularly noting the timing on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, as especially abhorrent. He extended his sympathies to those impacted and commended the swift response of emergency services.
Following the incident where a car was driven at civilians and a man was stabbed outside the synagogue, resulting in casualties, the PM curtailed his participation at the European Political Community (EPC) gathering in Copenhagen. Greater Manchester Police later confirmed two fatalities.
The suspected perpetrator was shot by armed officers after the police were alerted to the incident in Middleton Road, Crumpsall. The police declared a “Plato” situation, a national code-word used for responding to potential terror attacks.
Before returning to the UK, Mr. Starmer expressed profound shock at the Manchester attack and emphasized the deployment of additional police resources to safeguard synagogues nationwide. He pledged full support to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Health Secretary Wes Streeting also condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims and the Jewish community.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch denounced the assault as vile and despicable, especially on Yom Kippur, offering support to the affected families and the shaken Jewish community.
The incident prompted a major response from Greater Manchester Police, with shots fired by officers and medical assistance provided to injured individuals. The public was advised to avoid the area as the police managed the situation.
Mr. Starmer’s visit to Copenhagen focused on discussions around Ukraine and migration with European counterparts. The talks included strategies to address illegal migration collaboratively and provide additional support to Ukraine while exerting pressure on Putin.
The government’s recent policy changes, including the termination of automatic settlement and family reunion for asylum seekers, aim to deter unauthorized entries, as highlighted by Mr. Starmer during the conference.