Keir Starmer will cut short his attendance at a European meeting in Denmark to preside over an urgent Cobra meeting following an assault on a synagogue in Manchester.
The Prime Minister expressed shock and dismay over the incident, announcing the deployment of extra police resources to safeguard synagogues nationwide.
In a statement, he condemned the attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall, particularly noting the timing on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, as particularly abhorrent.
The PM ended his participation at the European Political Community (EPC) gathering in Copenhagen prematurely after a car plowed into bystanders and a man was attacked outside a synagogue, resulting in two fatalities according to GMP.
The suspected perpetrator was shot by police in Middleton Road, Crumpsall, with authorities invoking the national code-word “Plato” for a potential terror incident.
Ahead of returning to the UK, Mr. Starmer expressed his deep shock at the Manchester attack and assured that additional police resources would be deployed at synagogues nationwide for enhanced security.
He also acknowledged the swift response of emergency services and spoke with key figures like Mark Gardner of the CST and Mayor Andy Burnham to coordinate a cohesive response.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Health Secretary Wes Streeting also condemned the attack, emphasizing solidarity with the affected individuals and praising the efforts of emergency personnel.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch denounced the assault as vile and offered support to the Jewish community, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of such heinous acts.