Sir Keir Starmer urged students not to protest on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks, saying the UK must stand tall against harm and hatred toward Jewish communities. The 2023 attacks left around 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage in Israel. Starmer said every child of Israel should be able to live alongside their Palestinian neighbours in safety and security. He also welcomed efforts by the United States to secure peace in the Middle East.

Less than a week before the anniversary, a knife attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester killed two men. The victims were Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. Greater Manchester Police said they would use every available resource to understand precisely what happened. The assault occurred on Yom Kippur, the Jewish holy day.

Starmer said that the two-year mark underlines the need for the country to remain united against antisemitism and those who wish harm to Jewish communities. He outlined priorities including the release of hostages, increased aid to Gaza, and a ceasefire that could lead to a two-state solution. Thousands attended a Trafalgar Square event to mark the anniversary, while pro-Palestinian demonstrations there were followed by nearly 500 arrests.