Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) left a gathering of European political leaders early to lead an emergency response to an attack on a synagogue in Greater Manchester. The Prime Minister had been attending the European Political Community summit in Denmark when he was briefed about the incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.
The attack occurred whilst Ukraine and illegal migration dominated discussions at the Copenhagen summit. Starmer was notably absent from the traditional family photograph of European leaders following a panel he had hosted on a strong and secure Europe.
Emergency response measures
Speaking to reporters before flying back from Copenhagen, the Prime Minister condemned the attack and outlined immediate security measures. "The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected," Starmer said.
"I am on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting," he added. "I'm already able to say that additional police assets are being deployed to synagogues across the country, and we will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe."
Summit agenda disrupted
The Prime Minister's early departure meant he missed planned bilateral discussions with Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. He had been scheduled to announce changes requiring refugees to "earn" their right to long-term settlement, ending what he called the "golden ticket" approach to the UK's asylum system.
Starmer was also set to unveil a £3 million partnership with Western Balkan countries to tackle migration causes upstream. The initiative aimed to encourage people to remain in the region and secure employment there rather than attempt dangerous journeys.
European cooperation focus
Before the incident, the Prime Minister had emphasised international collaboration on migration and Ukraine support. "We're certainly discussing illegal migration and looking at what further options we can take together," he told reporters upon arrival.
"Obviously, I've always argued that working with other countries is always a stronger response," Starmer said. "There is also, then, obviously, the question of Ukraine and how we put in more support for Ukraine, put pressure on Putin."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
