World

Starmer Rushes Home: How the UK PM’s Emergency Response to Synagogue Attack Impacts European Summit

Starmer left summit after synagogue attack. He returned to London for emergency meeting & increased police deployment.

October 2, 2025, 11:27 PM

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer address the media, in Brussels, Belgium October 2, 2024. By Shutterstock.com / Alexandros Michailidis.

Executive Summary

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer abruptly departed the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Copenhagen to lead an emergency response following an attack on a synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester.

Prime Minister Starmer confirmed his immediate return to London to chair an emergency Cobra meeting and announced the deployment of additional police assets nationwide to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.

His early departure meant he missed discussions on the UK’s proposed asylum system changes, a new £3 million migration partnership with Denmark, and broader EPC agenda items concerning support for Ukraine.

The Story So Far

The UK Prime Minister’s abrupt departure from the European Political Community summit, following a synagogue attack, underscores the immediate priority given to national security and the protection of the Jewish community amidst domestic threats. This urgent response interrupted critical diplomatic discussions focused on pressing European issues, including sustained support for Ukraine and international strategies to address illegal migration, where the UK was advocating for significant changes to its asylum system.

Why This Matters

Prime Minister Starmer’s abrupt departure from the EPC summit underscores that national security and the immediate protection of domestic communities take precedence over significant international diplomatic engagements, even those concerning critical issues like migration and support for Ukraine. This incident highlights the government’s swift prioritization of domestic threats, potentially delaying or disrupting planned bilateral agreements and discussions on key UK asylum system changes and broader European cooperation, while simultaneously reinforcing a strong commitment to community safety and crisis management.

Who Thinks What?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer immediately departed the European Political Community summit to lead an emergency response to an attack on a synagogue in Greater Manchester, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community.

Sir Keir Starmer had intended to use the EPC summit to discuss significant changes to the UK’s asylum system, including a policy requiring refugees to “earn” their right to settlement, and to foster international cooperation on migration and support for Ukraine.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer abruptly departed the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 2, 2025, to lead an emergency response following an attack on a synagogue in Crumpsall, Greater Manchester. The Prime Minister confirmed his immediate return to London to chair an emergency Cobra meeting and announced the deployment of additional police assets to synagogues nationwide.

Immediate Response to Synagogue Attack

Sir Keir was briefed about the incident, which occurred outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, while attending the summit. He described the attack as “absolutely shocking” and extended his thoughts to those affected. His early departure meant he missed a family picture of leaders after hosting a panel on a strong and secure Europe.

Speaking to reporters before his flight from Copenhagen, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community. “We will do everything to keep our Jewish community safe,” he stated.

Summit Agenda and UK Priorities

The EPC summit agenda primarily focused on pressing issues such as support for Ukraine and strategies for tackling illegal migration. Prime Minister Starmer had been scheduled to discuss significant changes to the UK’s asylum system.

These proposed changes included a policy requiring refugees to “earn” their right to long-term settlement, aiming to eliminate any perception of a “golden ticket” for entry. He also intended to hold a bilateral meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to announce a new partnership.

This partnership, backed by up to £3 million, aimed to address the root causes of migration in Western Balkan countries. The initiative sought to encourage individuals to remain in their home regions and secure employment there.

Focus on European Cooperation

Upon his arrival at the summit, Prime Minister Starmer had expressed a strong desire for international cooperation on migration. He noted a “big appetite” among several countries to work with the UK on further options to address illegal migration.

Beyond migration, the Prime Minister highlighted the crucial discussions surrounding increased support for Ukraine and sustained pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. These diplomatic engagements were cut short by the urgent domestic security situation.

Outlook

The swift departure of Prime Minister Starmer underscores the immediate priority given to national security and community protection in the face of domestic threats. While diplomatic engagements on migration and Ukraine are vital, the incident in Manchester necessitated an immediate leadership response to ensure public safety and reassure communities.