Starmer vows to step up police presence in Jewish communities across UK

Keir Starmer has promised to strengthen police numbers in Jewish communities across the country after yesterday's terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Manchester.

- Kiran Stacey Hannah Al-Othman

The prime minister called the attack in the Crumpsall area an act of antisemitism and said the country would stand up to the hatred behind it.

Starmer 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."

He added: "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."

The prime minister was speaking hours after returning to the UK from Copenhagen, where he was meeting other leaders at the European Political Community summit.

Starmer chaired a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee before making his statement from No 10.