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Manchester Terrorism Attack 2025-10-13
13 October 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for the Home Department
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Community Security
Other Contributors: 54
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for the Home Department raised concerns about manchester terrorism attack 2025-10-13 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today I am making a statement about the terrorist attack that occurred on 2 October and the Government's response. The attack was an evil act of antisemitic terrorism targeting innocent worshippers during Yom Kippur, resulting in two fatalities and three serious injuries. Greater Manchester police intervened quickly and effectively to stop the attacker, who had pledged allegiance to Islamic State. Despite ongoing investigations, visible officer patrols have been stepped up at synagogues across the country with additional support provided to over 500 locations. The Government is enhancing security measures including reviewing public order legislation to ensure protests do not cause undue distress or insecurity. Since 2017, more than 40 terror plots have been disrupted, and the counter-terrorism strategy Contest continues to address threats from Islamist terrorism. The Government remains committed to fighting antisemitism and extremism, protecting communities and maintaining public safety.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
I thank the Home Secretary for advance sight of her statement. At 9:31 am on Yom Kippur, a terrorist attack occurred at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester by an Islamist extremist, leaving two men dead and three injured. I express my gratitude to Greater Manchester police and others who responded quickly, and commend the brave worshippers for their actions. I hope the Independent Office of Police Conduct completes its work swiftly, reflecting the courageous actions taken during a dangerous situation.
Shabana Mahmood
Lab
Question
The Home Secretary is urged to take specific measures against universities that do not adequately protect Jewish students from antisemitism. Will she commit to reviewing the powers under the Immigration Act 1971 to remove individuals expressing extremist views or support for terrorism? Additionally, will she consider expanding the proposed cumulative impact test in public order legislation to account for intimidation faced by other communities?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary acknowledges the concerns and will engage with universities regarding their responsibilities before considering further measures. She also commits to reviewing immigration powers under the Immigration Act 1971 and has increased deportations of foreign offenders since taking office. On public order legislation, she is currently looking at cumulative impact of repeat protests and will provide updates in due course.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Question
The Home Secretary's statement is appreciated for its commitment to addressing antisemitism. However, there are concerns within the local Jewish community about a hierarchy of racism and insufficient protection against religious extremists involved in illegal activities. What more can be done to address these issues?
Minister reply
Acknowledges the community's resilience and the importance of addressing specific concerns like extra security measures for synagogues and dealing with individuals engaging in illegal extremist activities.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Nottingham North
Question
The MP asks about the legal basis for arresting individuals during protests and expresses concern over security measures for Jewish schools like Manchester University. He also seeks confirmation on additional physical security provided by the Home Office since the attack.
Minister reply
In response to the concerns raised, the Home Secretary emphasises that supporting proscribed organisations is a crime under UK terror laws and will be met with full force of the law. She confirms discussions are ongoing with CST and other community organisations regarding future security measures.
Shabana Mahmood
Lab
Birmingham Ladywood
Question
Responds to Liberal Democrats’ criticism on police arresting pensioners during protests, highlighting that supporting a proscribed organisation is illegal under UK terror laws. She urges the party to stand up for the rule of law in the country.
Fabian Hamilton
Lab
Leeds North East
Question
Requests increased funding for police and security at Jewish schools, synagogues, and community organisations like the Leeds Jewish Representative Council to enhance community cohesion in Leeds.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary acknowledges the relief over hostage release and confirms that discussions are ongoing with CST regarding future security measures. She highlights the increased police presence at synagogues and other sites of interest across the country.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Question
Asks about steps being taken to address extremist ideology present online, in schools, and in mosques.
Warrington North
Question
Will the Home Secretary outline whether any work is taking place into misogyny as a risk factor for or nexus into other forms of extremism within our anti-terrorism framework, and what plans there are to publish an extremism strategy and hate crime action plan?
Minister reply
The nexus of misogyny with extremism is taken seriously. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation will provide more details on the perpetrator's previous contact with police. Once completed, we can draw wider lessons from this case.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Will the Government say unequivocally that if someone wants to come and live here, they must think of themselves primarily as British? It does not matter what their colour or faith is—they are British. However strongly they feel about Gaza or anything else, they must approach all issues with our traditional sense of good humour and tolerance.
Minister reply
We agree that everyone who comes to this country should commit themselves to being the best of British. The vast majority of minority communities are proud of their Britishness, but we also need to confront issues regarding integration and community cohesion.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
Could the Home Secretary say a little more about ensuring that the Community Security Trust and other community organisations get full support—not just security, which is obviously important, but trauma services and mental health support?
Minister reply
The volunteers of the CST are heroes who saved lives during the attack. The Prime Minister and I have had constant contact with Jewish community organisations to ensure they can go about their business safely.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
Does the Home Secretary see that by cracking down on our legitimate right to protest, she is simply giving succour to the haters, allowing them to dictate our approach to protest?
Minister reply
The Government’s intention is to ensure a balance between fundamental rights and community safety. Amendments to sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act aim to allow protests while preventing communities from being under constant threat.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Question
Is the Home Secretary confident that we have fully implemented the recommendations on tackling failings identified after the Manchester Arena terror attack, and that there is an equitable distribution of counter-terrorism resources in the UK?
Minister reply
Direct learnings from the arena attack were applied to emergency service responses. The main finding was timely response which was achieved here too. We will know more about preparation and planning once all facts are available.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Would it not be a sensible first step for all vulnerable premises to have doors that can be easily locked, so that people do not have to put themselves at risk physically holding them closed?
Minister reply
I congratulate the Home Secretary on an excellent statement and acknowledge the bravery of those who sacrificed their lives.
Connor Rand
Lab
Altrincham and Sale West
Question
As a Greater Manchester Member of Parliament, I know how much fear and anguish there was in the community before the recent attack. Can the Government update us on the development of our counter-extremism strategy? Have we responded to previous findings?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right. We are reviewing all previous findings by experts following earlier attacks under both the previous government and ours, to ensure that all relevant recommendations have been implemented. I am also clear that this attack raises questions about our response to antisemitism, integration, and community cohesion.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Question
May I praise the Home Secretary for her actions regarding Palestine Action and other protests? Does she agree there is a correlation between the rise of antisemitism and these protests?
Minister reply
I do not want people in our country to feel they have to hide their identity because of fear. We are taking steps on protests, reviewing legislation, and thresholds for hate crime to ensure that we have robust legal protections.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
The Home Secretary proposes changes to the regulations in the Public Order Act 2023; will she undertake a review of the Online Safety Act 2023? Use of online spaces is key for hate messages, not enough is being done.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right. The Online Safety Act has measures to address some problems, but there will be more work to do in the future to ensure that we tackle threats in real-world space and earlier action in the online space.
Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that we must urgently address online spaces where hatred is radicalised and amplified? Will she work with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to review Ofcom’s guidance?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady will understand I won't make new policy at the Dispatch Box, but I confirm I'll be talking about those matters to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Question
What can be done to support teachers so that they have the skills, knowledge and curriculum to educate all our children on antisemitism?
Minister reply
The Department for Education has made funding available to schools to tackle antisemitism in classrooms and educate teachers. Colleagues are taking action across government departments because antisemitism is a whole-society problem.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
After the Heaton Park attack, I am proud that Belmont shul hosted a Shabbat service. However, synagogues did not receive contact from police about what would happen on Shabbat due to planned hate demonstrations. Should organisers of these marches pay for policing costs?
Minister reply
I am considering all recommendations made by advisers and I will review measures carefully, bearing in mind previous reports and the robustness of the framework we are left with.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that Bob Vylan's concert should be cancelled due to threats to the Jewish community?
Minister reply
Decisions on whether specific concerts or cultural events go ahead are made independently by safety advisory groups informed by evidence on operational requirements. It would be wrong for me to pre-empt these decisions or call into question their legal basis.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
While the Prime Minister is in Egypt, does the Home Secretary agree with me that the chant “From the river to the sea” is antisemitic rather than the Mayor of London's stance?
Minister reply
I am reviewing legislation around hate crimes to ensure robust legal mechanisms for prosecuting hate speech and hate crimes.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
What will the Home Secretary do to protect Hillel houses on campuses up and down the country, and will she write to all Hillel houses to reassure them of their safety on campus?
Minister reply
I am happy to provide support and write to ensure that universities uphold their responsibilities to keep students safe, including Jewish students.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Question
What specialist training are our police forces receiving to understand the complexity of investigating, charging and prosecuting those exhibiting antisemitic views early on?
Minister reply
Police officers often take independent legal advice on decisions and test with the Crown Prosecution Service whether a prosecution is likely to result in a conviction. I am reviewing legislation around hate crimes.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Can she update us on where the review of the counter-terrorism strategy has got to, so that we can be confident that we will get all these people off our streets and improve our understanding?
Minister reply
The nexus between misogyny and other serious offences is taken seriously. The counter-terrorism strategy will now need to take account of recent events in Manchester.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Will the Home Secretary join me in expressing disgust at those celebrating Hamas terrorists who carried out the attack two years previously? Does she agree that we cannot allow under the cloud of free speech people to use language driving sectarianism?
Minister reply
We must unite around tackling sectarianism and ensure those supporting proscribed terror organisations face the full force of the law.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Question
After the vile attack in Manchester, many of us will have spent time with Jewish friends celebrating Sukkot. The sense of insecurity is pervading the Jewish community now. What must be done to address this fundamental insecurity?
Minister reply
While reassurance measures and security measures are important initially, tackling antisemitism across our country in the medium to long term is key for ensuring safety.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Does she understand that many members of the security forces involved fear being hung out to dry? Will she reassure me that everything is being done by Greater Manchester police to put an arm around those officers directly involved in this incident?
Minister reply
Those officers are being supported and treated as witnesses. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is ensuring a swift conclusion of the investigation.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that people cannot use freedom of speech to promote hate and violence against those with any other religions or beliefs? Does she agree that we need to keep this under review?
Minister reply
Protest must be balanced against the need for all communities to live in safety and security, which is why I am reviewing legislation around hate crimes.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Constituency Not Specified
Question
The MP asked about the legal basis for the Home Secretary's comments on conflating peaceful protest with terrorist actions and whether these steps risk pitting communities against each other.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood clarified that her comments were not about preventing protests but ensuring solidarity and kindness, and emphasised the need to balance freedom of protest with community safety.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Question
The MP expressed condolences for victims of a terrorist attack in Manchester and asked about specific measures to tackle antisemitism, including violence against the Jewish community.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood acknowledged that antisemitism is at unacceptable levels and rising. She committed to working across Government to tackle it effectively through reassurance, security measures, and legislative changes under sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Question
The MP inquired about the specific measures proposed by the Home Secretary to address cumulative impact of protests and asked if she intends to give herself the power to stop certain marches.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood explained that her measure would place conditions on marches under both section 12 and section 14 of the Public Order Act, making it explicit that cumulative impact can be taken into account. She is reviewing broader legislative frameworks but emphasised a careful balance between allowing protests and ensuring safety.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
The MP highlighted the recent exposé on the Met police regarding hate crime and asked if the Home Secretary would look into issues across police forces.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the BBC “Panorama” exposé, expressing horror at the situation. She stated she is working closely with the Mayor of London and the chief of the Met police to address these issues.
Tom Morrison
Lib Dem
Cheadle
Question
The MP expressed pride in having a Jewish congregation and school in his constituency and asked for assurances on greater resources for CST, the police, and local authorities to ensure visible protection around synagogues and schools.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood assured that discussions are ongoing with CST and other representatives of the Jewish community. She committed to more security measures and reassurance in the medium term.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Question
The MP referred to historical acts of solidarity against fascism and asked if the Home Secretary agrees with her that we must protect democratic rights while opposing racism.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood agreed on the importance of balancing freedom of protest with community safety, emphasising the need for a careful balance.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Question
The MP highlighted concerns over inter-faith work falling off a cliff and mentioned instances of Palestinian flags in Birmingham and Preston. He asked if the Home Secretary agreed that these contribute to Jewish community's feeling of insecurity.
Minister reply
Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the complexity but did not provide a specific response regarding these issues.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that it is vital to continue sending a united message supporting the Jewish community's right to live and worship safely?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agreed, stressing the importance of continuing to send such messages and acting against antisemitism in workplaces, schools, and streets.
Shabana Mahmood
Lab
Question
What actions will be taken regarding hate preachers like Sheikh Alafasy?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary did not know the specifics of the case but invited the MP to write for a detailed response. She mentioned that measures aimed at both static protests and marches are in place.
Patrick Hurley
Lab
Southport
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that calls for violence against Jews on social media platforms should be addressed under the Online Safety Act 2023?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agreed, reiterating her commitment to ensuring the online space is free from antisemitism and other forms of hatred.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that with free speech comes responsibility?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agreed, stating that people have rights to use them wisely and not cause pain.
Aylesbury
Question
Does the Government’s protections extend to people of all faiths?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agreed, mentioning that the places of worship protective security scheme is open not just to synagogues but also mosques and other temples.
Monica Harding
Lib Dem
Esher and Walton
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that we need a stronger approach to tackle the online sale and circulation of lethal knives?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary acknowledged the need for action, mentioning the Crime and Policing Bill aimed at banning such knife sales.
Hendon
Question
Can the Home Secretary expand on actions to ensure all NHS patients are treated without fear of antisemitism?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary expressed outrage at such fears and stated that regulatory measures for medical practitioners will be overhauled by the Health Secretary.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Question
Will every policy measure focus on building solidarity between communities?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agreed with the importance of solidarity and countering division, while also stressing the need to balance freedoms.
Question
Can she give an assurance that the Government have a plan to ensure that regulators are playing their full role in addressing the poison of antisemitism?
Minister reply
My colleagues in the Cabinet have written to different regulators reporting directly to them, and they will come before this House to set out further measures on how they will hold people accountable for their powers.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that the attack was a result of rampant Islamic radicalisation and is enough being done to deal with the issue?
Minister reply
We will know more about the specific journey of the attacker when more facts are in, but I assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that we have measures in place to deal effectively with radicalisation wherever it takes place, including with Islamist extremism.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
Does she agree that there is no place for such calls on the streets of Leeds or anywhere in the UK, and will she ensure that it does not happen again?
Minister reply
Those comments are despicable and utterly unacceptable. It is why I am reviewing the wider legislative framework in relation to protest and hate crime.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
How will she provide assurances to the Jewish community that are not just media soundbites but promises of safety that can be trusted?
Minister reply
The Government will take action—we have already taken action, and there will be more to come. I know that will be debated in the House over the coming weeks and months.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Question
What cross-Government work is being done on community cohesion building of our voluntary and community sector, and what support will there be for that?
Minister reply
Community cohesion will be vital. I am happy to discuss with my hon. Friend and ensure that she gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to feed in the experience of those in Luton.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Question
What steps are being taken to address any gaps identified in our preventive measures so that such acts of terrorism cannot happen again?
Minister reply
Once all the facts are in, we will be able to draw wider lessons. He was known to the police in the context of those two charges for rape, and the IOPC will now investigate all his history with the police in a non-terror context.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Question
Will she speak to the devolved Administrations to ensure that we get this right across the UK?
Minister reply
I will be speaking to all our colleagues in the devolved Administrations. I am happy to discuss with my hon. Friend the wider lessons on interfaith work to be drawn from his own experience.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Question
Will she commit to working with the Secretary of State for Education to ensure that universities across the country have all they need to root out antisemitism for good?
Minister reply
Yes, absolutely.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Question
Does she agree that it is vital that we send a message to the Jewish community and every other community in this country that they will be safe?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend and I hope that that message has been heard today.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Question
How can we encourage everyone to call out these so-called small acts of antisemitism?
Minister reply
No act of antisemitism, big or small, is acceptable, and we must all call it out and challenge it wherever we see it. The Government will take measures to strengthen the response to rising antisemitism in our country.
Shadow Comment
Chris Philp
Shadow Comment
I thank the Home Secretary for advance sight of her statement. At 9:31 am on Yom Kippur, a terrorist attack occurred at Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester by an Islamist extremist, leaving two men dead and three injured. I express my gratitude to Greater Manchester police and others who responded quickly, and commend the brave worshippers for their actions. I hope the Independent Office of Police Conduct completes its work swiftly, reflecting the courageous actions taken during a dangerous situation.
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