On the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham issued a direct message to the UK’s Jewish community on Wednesday. “We stand with you,” Burnham declared, promising strict enforcement and zero tolerance for antisemitism. The statement is particularly striking given the critical stance he’s taken toward Israel’s government since taking office—even as he repeated his commitment to advancing a two-state solution.
3+In his official statement marking the anniversary, Burnham opened by addressing the victims of Hamas’s attack and emphasized the severe impact still affecting Jewish communities worldwide, alongside the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in Britain.
In a direct appeal to British Jews, the prime minister said: “I want Britain’s Jewish community to hear this from me directly. We stand with you. Abuse and violence against you, in any form, will not be tolerated. Not on our streets, not online, not in our schools or universities.”
3+“That’s why we are funding protection for synagogues, schools and community buildings, and why we will come down hard on antisemitism wherever it is found – in classrooms, on campuses and in neighbourhoods. At home, we are committed to protecting our citizens from vile hatred. Abroad, we continue to work towards a two-state solution, with Israelis and ‘Palestinians’ living side by side in peace and security. An attack on Jewish people in Britain is an attack on all of us. Antisemitism has no place in this country, and we will do everything we can to stamp it out.”
The prime minister’s words come amid alarming data showing the intensification of hate incidents across the country. According to figures published in August by the Community Security Trust, the first half of 2026 alone saw 1,926 antisemitic incidents recorded in Britain—a roughly 20% increase over the same period last year and the second-highest figure ever for this period.
3+In his statement, Burnham also addressed real security threats, mentioning the terror attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester about a year ago, in which two people were killed, and the attacker was shot dead by police. What’s more, just last week charges were filed against two Iranian nationals for alleged involvement in a terror plot against the Jewish community in Manchester, including hostile intelligence gathering around the synagogue and the local Jewish museum.
Burnham’s forceful commitment to protecting British Jews runs parallel to the tough foreign policy he’s pursuing toward Jerusalem. Since entering 10 Downing Street—and after apologizing for Labour’s initial response to the war—Burnham has signaled his intention to apply increased political pressure.
3+In the past month, Britain has led efforts alongside other countries to impose concrete measures restricting trade in products originating from settlements, citing opposition to their expansion. He struck a similar tone in his speech to the UN General Assembly last month, where he condemned Hamas and declared Britain’s support for Israel against external threats, but also sharply criticized IDF operations in Gaza and in Judea and Samaria.