Keir Starmer is cutting short his participation in a European meeting in Denmark to lead an emergency Cobra meeting following an assault on a synagogue in Manchester.
Expressing shock and dismay over the incident, the Prime Minister confirmed that additional police resources are being dispatched to synagogues nationwide.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister denounced the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall, particularly highlighting the severity of the event occurring on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar.
The PM’s visit to the European Political Community (EPC) gathering in Copenhagen was abruptly ended after a car rammed into pedestrians and a man was stabbed outside a synagogue, resulting in two fatalities according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
The suspected attacker was shot by armed officers following the incident in Middleton Road, Crumpsall. GMP invoked “Plato,” the national emergency code, indicating a potential terror incident.
Before returning to the UK, Keir Starmer expressed deep shock over the Manchester attack and emphasized the deployment of additional police to safeguard synagogues nationwide.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the assault at the Manchester synagogue on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, urging support for the victims and emergency services.
Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, offered prayers for the Jewish community following the distressing events in Manchester on Yom Kippur.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch denounced the violent attack on the synagogue in Manchester, particularly highlighting the vulnerability of families gathered for Yom Kippur prayers.
The incident prompted Greater Manchester Police to declare a major incident, with shots fired by police officers and ongoing medical care for injured individuals.
Keir Starmer had been engaged in discussions with European leaders in Copenhagen regarding Ukraine and migration before the tragic events unfolded in Manchester.
The PM’s recent announcement to curb rights for asylum seekers, including an end to automatic settlement and family reunion, aims to deter illegal crossings and enhance support for Ukraine against Russian influence.