Rosh Hashanah: Party leaders send hope for a sweet year to come

The leaders of the three main political parties have wished Britain’s Jews a happy new year.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the high holy days were a time “to reflect on how we have met the challenges in the year that has passed”.

May’s team reiterated her speech to a Downing Street reception last week, in which she said: “I am proud to say that I support Israel. And it is absolutely right that we should mark the vital role that Britain played a century ago in helping to create a homeland for the Jewish people.”

Meanwhile Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said the holidays offered “the chance for contemplation, prayer and renewal; to reflect on our actions, character and responsibilities to one another”.

He added: “This year is particularly significant as it marks the centenary of the Balfour Declaration… an important moment in history… As we look back over the historical, legal and political significance of the declaration, we should remember those who brought it into being – including the great former [Liberal] Prime Minister David Lloyd George.”

He said he was “committed to seeing a negotiated peace settlement with a two-state solution, and I will continue to champion the values of human rights and the rule of law for everyone on both sides of the conflict”.

Corbyn, by contrast, steered clear of specifics, alluding to his party’s difficulties in suspending and disciplining party members whose comments both past and present have been deemed anti-Semitic.

The Opposition leader said: “As Jewish communities prepare to celebrate the high holy days, I want to extend my warmest greetings. This is a time of celebration and new beginnings but also contemplation and reflection on how we have met the challenges in the year that has passed.”

He added: “This year, 5778, will present our country with new challenges. But working together, the Jewish community and people of all faiths and none can and will overcome them.”