Ed Miliband dismisses Chief Rabbi’s warning Labour’s Israel sanctions risk making British Jews less safe

ED Miliband yesterday dismissed the Chief Rabbi’s warning that Labour’s Israel sanctions risk making British Jews less safe. The Foreign Secretary insisted he was “proud” of the controversial crackdown despite Sir Ephraim Mirvis branding it a “truly dark day”. Foreign Sec Ed Miliband dismissed Chief Rabbi’s warning regarding Labour’s Israel sanctions Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has warned Miliband that the move could embolden individuals to ‘use hatred against Jews’ Credit: Times Media Ltd The Chief Rabbi also warned it could embolden those who “use hatred as a weapon against Jews”. It comes as police stepped up security around Jewish communities ahead of Rosh Hashanah amid already heightened fears over antisemitism. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! Anti-Jewish hate is already surging, with 1,926 antisemitic incidents recorded in Britain in the first six months of this year – up 21 per cent on 2025. But Mr Miliband, who described himself as a “proud British Jew”, said: “I have great respect for the Chief Rabbi, but I don’t agree with him.” He insisted anyone blaming British Jews for the actions of Israel was engaging in “antisemitism, pure and simple”, adding: “I’m a proud British Jew and I don’t agree with the Chief Rabbi. I have great respect for the Chief Rabbi, but I don’t agree with him.” The Jewish Leadership Council has warned Labour’s action “risks becoming a de facto boycott of Israel”, while the Board of Deputies said the deteriorating relationship could “further inflame community tensions” in Britain. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also doubled down yesterday, declaring Britain “must stand for something” and would “always stand with the underdog” as he defended the sanctions at PMQs. Donald Trump did not try to dissuade Mr Burnham when the PM called him ahead of the announcement, according to US outlet Axios, which reported the President “did not push back or ask Mr Burnham to change course”. Most read in The Sun Israel has retaliated by closing Britain’s consulate in East Jerusalem and barring British politicians from the country. Mr Miliband admitted the diplomatic fallout would be “damaging” but insisted ministers had weighed up the “costs and benefits” in advance. 1 comment1