We were delighted to welcome the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and newly appointed Secretary of State for Education, The Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, to our Strategic Group meeting for a wide-ranging discussion on issues affecting the Jewish community.

The conversation covered education and schools, SEND provision, housing, the challenges facing Jewish students on university campuses, the continued rise in antisemitism across society, and the impact of the cost of living on our communal organisations and families. It provided an important opportunity for community representatives to share their experiences directly and discuss how Government can show their support.

Lucy also met Rabbi Daniel Walker, who showed her around the Heaton Park Synagogue and spoke about the impact of the terrorist attack on the congregation.

We are grateful to Lucy for taking the time to engage so openly and constructively and we look forward to continuing this important dialogue.