PM Starmer Marks Two-Year Anniversary of October 7 Attacks, Condemns Rising Antisemitism and 'Un-British' Protests

Prime Minister Reflects on 'Horrifying' Attacks

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement marking two years since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. He described the period as a 'living nightmare' for many, emphasizing that 'time does not diminish the evil we saw that day'. Starmer characterized the events as 'the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust', detailing the 'brutal, cold-blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes' and the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza.

The October 7, 2023, attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. As of the anniversary, 47 hostages are reportedly still held in Gaza, with 25 believed to be dead by the Israeli military. In response, Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 67,160 Palestinians over the past two years, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures which the United Nations considers reliable.

Addressing Rising Antisemitism in the UK

In his statement, Prime Minister Starmer also directly addressed the 'rising antisemitism' observed across the United Kingdom since the attacks. He specifically referenced a 'horrifying terrorist attack' that occurred last week on Yom Kippur at a synagogue in Manchester, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two Jewish men, Adrian Daulby (53) and Melvin Cravitz (66). Starmer declared this surge in antisemitism 'a stain on who we are', asserting that the UK 'will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities'.

The Community Security Trust (CST), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism, reported 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the UK during the first half of 2025, marking the second-highest total ever recorded for that period.

Condemnation of 'Un-British' Protests

Prime Minister Starmer also used the anniversary to condemn planned pro-Palestinian protests at universities across the UK, labeling them 'un-British'. Writing in The Times newspaper, he stated that such demonstrations showed 'so little respect for others' and warned against the potential for 'chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again'. He urged students to avoid participating in these protests.

The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's ongoing priorities, which include securing the release of all hostages, achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring a surge of humanitarian aid into the region, and working towards a pathway to a two-state solution. The UK, alongside several allies, recently recognized Palestinian statehood.