Deputy Prime Minister heckled during synagogue attack memorial
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was booed and heckled by sections of the crowd as he delivered an emotional speech at a vigil for the victims of Thursday’s terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester.
Lammy, who spoke to hundreds gathered outside the Crumpsall synagogue, urged unity and defiance in the face of terror, calling on the nation to “stand together in grief, solidarity and defiance.”
The attack, which took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, left two worshippers dead and several others injured after a man drove into the synagogue gates and began stabbing people before being shot by police.
Calls for unity met with anger
Despite Lammy’s solemn tone, parts of the crowd responded angrily, shouting “shame on you” and “empty words” as the deputy prime minister pledged the government’s support for the Jewish community.
Some mourners accused ministers of failing to act against rising antisemitism and allowing pro-Palestinian demonstrations they described as “hate marches.”
Witnesses said the atmosphere was “emotional but tense.” One attendee told reporters: “We’re grieving, and the government needs to do more than speak – it needs to protect us.”
Lammy continued his address despite the interruptions, declaring: “We stand with you against terrorism.
“We stand with you against those who think bombs and blasts will break us. And we stand against all those who would minimise, coddle or obfuscate on anti-Jewish hate.”
Message of defiance and remembrance
The deputy prime minister drew on his own experience of losing a friend in the 7/7 London bombings, vowing that Britain would “never stop fighting terrorism.”
He told mourners: “As one nation, one people, one United Kingdom, we cannot, we must not let them divide us… Britain’s true nature is a tolerant nation, built on mutual respect and common understanding.”
Lammy closed his remarks with the Jewish phrase “May their memory be a blessing,” saying that how the country responds “in grief, solidarity and defiance” would honour those killed.
Backdrop of community tension
The vigil came amid heightened tension across Manchester’s Jewish community following the Heaton Park attack, which police are treating as an act of terrorism.
Officers confirmed one of the victims was accidentally shot by police during efforts to stop the attacker.
With another pro-Palestine march expected in the city this weekend, Lammy appealed for restraint, urging demonstrators to “reflect with dignity, grace and understanding.”
His appearance, meant to project unity, instead reflected the deep strain between government and grieving communities – a reminder that, even in mourning, Britain remains divided over how to confront hate, fear, and the politics that fuel both.
