Andy Burnham pledges support for British Jews on October 7 anniversary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham issued a statement to the British Jewish community on the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks. He expressed solidarity with Jewish people worldwide, noting that the impact of the Hamas-led attacks on Israel has been felt globally.

Burnham highlighted a disturbing rise in antisemitic behavior within the United Kingdom. He specifically referenced a terror attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester, where an assailant killed two people during a vehicle ramming and knife attack. Additionally, he noted recent legal proceedings involving two Iranian men accused of conducting hostile reconnaissance at the same synagogue with the intent to use an explosive device.

To combat rising hostility, the Prime Minister announced continued funding for the protection of synagogues, schools, and community buildings. He emphasized that abuse and violence against the Jewish community will not be tolerated in streets, schools, or universities, and pledged to aggressively target antisemitism in all forms.