Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was heckled and booed as he addressed a vigil near the site of the Manchester synagogue attack. Attendees accused the Government of allowing antisemitism to grow in the UK, including on university campuses, and called for an end to regular pro-Palestine marches. Lammy, who is also Justice Secretary, sought to offer a message of unity after the attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, on Thursday.

A worshipper died and another person was injured after they were accidentally shot by armed police while attempting to prevent a knife-wielding attacker from entering the synagogue. Three others remained in hospital with serious injuries after the incident, which occurred on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day.

As Lammy began his speech in the pouring rain, there were scoffs and laughter from some in the crowd. Shouts included “go to Palestine, leave us alone” and “stop the marches” as he paused several times to be heard. A witness, Joanne Lazarus, 61, from Whitefield, said she attended to urge an end to the marches and told reporters she had faced abuse in town tied to the issue. She described hearing hostility and said hatred is felt across the UK. Lammy told the crowd that Britain stands with Jewish people and that the country must not be divided. He urged those planning pro-Gaza demonstrations to reflect with human dignity and to stop and stand back.