'We HAVE to wake up!' Antisemitism adviser points to what 'MUST be done' in wake of Manchester attack

“This is the first time in many decadesvery many decades that Jewish people have been murdered in our country simply because they are Jewish,” Lord Mann said. “It’s not acceptable. It’s not on. We have to wake up.”

The adviser, who previously chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Antisemitism, said the issue was not just for the Jewish community but for the whole of Britain.

"This goes beyond Government. It requires people in families, workplaces, and communities to challenge hatred whenever they hear it.

"When antisemitism is spewed out, people must stand up and call it out,” he said.

He warned that relying only on tighter security at synagogues would not be enough.

"If someone is determined to kill by driving a car at Jews walking down the street, money for security at synagogues won’t stop that," he explained.

The adviser pointed to the urgent need for a tougher approach to extremism spotting and tackling it earlier, re-educating those who can be diverted, and taking out of society those who cannot.

"This is about defining extremism, rooting it out, and preventing indoctrination.

"It’s about re-educating where possible but where not, protecting society by ensuring they cannot cause harm."

He said the murders should act as a wake-up call not just for politicians but for the entire nation.

"This is a moment in time for this country. Jewish citizens, going about their everyday lives, were killed simply for being Jewish.

"The impact of that goes well beyond the Jewish community. It should force us all to act."

Police nationwide are stepping up patrols at synagogues and Jewish sites, while the public is urged to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.

"The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific,” Sir Keir Starmer said in an address to the nation, extending his thoughts to those affected and thanking emergency responders.

Lawrence Taylor, Head of counter-terrorism policing in the UK, told reporters: "This morning an appalling attack took place in Crumpsall in Manchester.

"Two people have died. The attacker has been shot dead by the police. We believe we know their identity but for safety reasons at the scene, we are unable to confirm.

"At this stage, three other members of the public are in a serious condition. We have also made two further arrests and based on what we know.

"Counter-Terrorism policing has declared this as a terrorist incident. Our specialist teams are now leading the investigation into what happened at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and working closely with Greater Manchester Police.

"As we do this, those who have been killed and injured were the forefront of our minds as of their families, friends and all of those who love them.

"An attack on our Jewish community today on Yom Kippur is devastating. Communities across the UK would normally be marking this holy day and now grieving and worried about their safety."

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