Keir Starmer is cutting short a European meeting in Denmark to lead an emergency Cobra meeting following an attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
The Prime Minister expressed shock and dismay 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.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the European Political Community gathering in Copenhagen was abbreviated after a car struck members of the public and a man was stabbed outside a synagogue, resulting in two fatalities.
The suspected perpetrator was shot by police in Middleton Road, Crumpsall, with authorities declaring a national alert for a terror attack response.
Speaking before returning to the UK, Mr. Starmer called the Manchester attack shocking and assured that steps were being taken to enhance security at synagogues nationally.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Health Secretary Wes Streeting also expressed horror and solidarity with the victims and the Jewish community.
The incident prompted reactions from various political figures, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who denounced the attack on a Jewish place of worship on Yom Kippur.
The Greater Manchester Police declared a major incident and confirmed police action, urging the public to avoid the area.
Mr. Starmer’s trip to Denmark focused on discussions around Ukraine and migration issues with European counterparts, emphasizing collaboration for stronger responses.
The Prime Minister recently announced changes to asylum policies to deter irregular migration, a move supported by Mr. Starmer to address small boat crossings effectively.
