Starmer reflects on 7 October deaths and appeals for unity in UK

Keir Starmer has called for unity in Britain and urged the nation to "unequivocally stand with the Jewish community", as he reiterated calls for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon on the anniversary of the 7 October attacks.

- Aletha Adu

The prime minister described it as "the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust", reflecting on the deaths of more than a thousand people who were murdered by Hamas, including the young people massacred at a music festival, with others raped and brutally tortured in the aftermath.

While he stood firm in his commitment to help "bring the hostages home", he insisted that "we must not look the other way as civilians bear the ongoing dire consequences of this conflict in the Middle East".

He said: "We will not falter in our pursuit of peace and on this day of pain and sorrow, we honour those we lost, and continue in our determination to return those still held hostage, help those who are suffering, and secure a better future for the Middle East."

His comments came after the government had earlier advised Israel to show "restraint", while the prime minister had warned that "sparks" from the Middle East conflict could "light touchpapers in our communities at home".

A series of rallies took place over the weekend, with more expected around the country today. In London, the Metropolitan police said 17 people had been arrested after Saturday's pro-Palestinian march in central London, as part of a "significant" policing operation in place across the capital in response to planned protest and memorial events.