Keir Starmer: ‘We must talk honestly about the impact of Hamas terror on our country’
After meeting with Chief Rabbi Mirvis, the Labour leader adds:"I know that Jewish people and communities in Britain are feeling great fear, loss and upset... We are with you during this dark hour'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Keir Starmer has issued a new message of support to Jewish communities across Britain following his meeting with Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis saying:”I know that Jewish people and communities in Britain are feeling great fear, loss and upset.
“But I want to send them a simple message. You are not alone. We share your pain. We are with you during this dark hour.”
The Labour leader revealed that prior to meeting with Rabbi Mirvis he had visited a local synagogue “to pledge my support and the support of the entire Labour Party to the Jewish community in the United Kingdom and to the Israeli people.”
He added:“At this time of great trauma for the community, it is vital that we stand alongside our Jewish friends and neighbours.”
Speaking after returning from Liverpool, where the party staged their annual conference this week, Starmer said of the Hamas terror attack on Israel: “These despicable, ongoing terrorist attacks by Hamas have set back the prospect of peace in the region.
“They can only lead to yet more violence and suffering which has taken so many Israeli and Palestinian lives. I utterly condemn them. We stand with Israel and support her right to rescue hostages and defend herself within international law.”
But he was also honest about the impact of the terrible events in Israel on this country.
“We must also talk honestly about the impact this has had in our own country. Since these attacks, we have seen an appalling spike in antisemitic incidents in London and across the UK,” he said.
“Any harassment or intimidation towards Jewish communities in Britain is utterly unacceptable.
“There must be zero tolerance for it. I was touched to learn of the action being taken to maintain and cement interfaith relationships: work which serves as a reminder that hate will never be allowed to divide us.
“It is also important to say that Labour MPs stand ready to support any constituents who are worried about family members in Israel or Palestine or who are affected by travel restrictions.”
Starmer’s was roundly praised for his speech at Labour conference, where he was joined by his wife Victoria, whose is from a Jewish family, up on the stage in Liverpool.
Later Starmer and the Labour shadow cabinet attended a vigil for Israel put on by the Labour Friends of Israel organisation.
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