UK Jewish political figures pay their respects to the Queen
Conservative, Labour and Liberal representatives from the community have issued moving tributes to Queen Elizabeth II following confirmation of her death on Thursday evening
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Jewish political figures have joined party leaders in paying their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth after her death was confirmed on Thursday.
Conservative MP Robert Halfon released a statement saying:”I am truly devastated by the news that Her Majesty the Queen has passed away. It is hard to believe that only a few weeks ago we were celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
“She has been the Mother of the Nation for so long.
“Great Britain will never be the same again. So many generations have been brought up with the Queen so central to their lives.”
Leeds North West Labour MP Alex Sobel wrote:”The loss of Her Majesty The Queen will be felt by so many well beyond Leeds and the United Kingdom. Her life was devoted to the service of our country and will never be forgotten.”
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that Prime Minister Liz Truss was informed of the Queen’s death at around 4.30pm.
Speaking outside Downing Street Truss described the late monarch as the rock on which modern Britain was built, who had “provided us with the stability and strength that we needed”.
The PM then spoke with the new King Charles.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said:”“It is a deep, private loss for the Royal Family and all our thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares in their grief.
“We will always treasure Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service and devotion to our nation and the Commonwealth; our longest-serving and greatest monarch.”
In a joint statement Conservative Friends of Israel parliamentary chairs Lord Polak, Lord Pickles and MP Stephen Crabb wrote they were “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Yehi zichra baruch. May her memory be for a blessing.
Former Labour MP Luciana Berger tweeted a portrait of the Queen and wrote simply:”In memory. An extraordinary public servant.”
Lord Mann, the government’s antisemitism adviser, tweeted:”Rest in peace, rise in glory.”n a joint statement Conservative Friends of Israel parliamentary chairs Lord Polak, Lord Pickles and Stephen Crabb said “CFI are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Yehi zichra baruch. May her memory be for a blessing.”
Ruth Smeeth, the former Labour MP and director of Index on Censorship, wrote:”Thank you, your Majesty for a lifetime of service. We’ll be forever in your debt.”
Georgia Gould, leader of Camden Council, wrote:”The death of Her Majesty The Queen is a deeply sad moment for Camden, the UK and so many around the world. She lived a life of extraordinary service and duty right to the end.
“She will be remembered with love and admiration, and all our thoughts are with her family tonight.”
Ealing Council leader and former JLM national secretary Peter Mason wrote:”The collective thoughts and prayers of the people of Ealing, I am certain, are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family. We hope and pray for her recovery, her comfort and also for the fortitude of her loved ones.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey added:”We mourn the loss of a great monarch who served our country faithfully all her life.”
A period of mourning will now be observed for 10 days.
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