Sir Keir Starmer has celebrated Ramadan at what he described as a "difficult time for Muslims in the UK" during an iftar event held in Parliament.
The Prime Minister attended "the big iftar" hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims on Tuesday evening.
During the event, Starmer acknowledged the challenges faced by British Muslims, particularly regarding the conflict in Gaza and rising anti-Muslim hatred.
The Prime Minister, who thanked British Muslims for their contributions in "every community in Britain", took park in celebrations which come days after the beginning of Ramadan last Friday.
Keir Starmer
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Starmer reflected on how conflict abroad "affects communities here at home" during his address.
He spoke about the "pain of the conflict in Gaza" and its impact on Muslim communities in Britain.
The iftar, which is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily fast during Ramadan, brought together parliamentarians and community members.
The fast period will continue for Muslims around the world until March 30.
During his appearance at the "big iftar", the Prime Minister addressed the suffering in Gaza directly.
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Members of the public gather to watch Ramadan lights installation at Piccadilly Circus
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"I know (this) has been a very difficult time for Muslims here in the UK with the pain of the conflict in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinians," he said.
Starmer expressed clear support for Palestinians in their recovery efforts amid concerns about US President Donald Trump's proposal to takeover Gaza.
He said: "I am absolutely clear that the Palestinian must be allowed to rebuild, and we should stand alongside them in this effort on the road to a two-state solution the only way to get lasting peace in my opinion."
The Prime Minister also voiced concern at the rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes in Britain.
"It is shocking absolutely shocking that 2024 was the worst year for anti-Muslim hate crime since the Home Office began collecting data," Starmer stated.
Muslims perform the first tarawih prayer of the holy month of the Ramadan at the Aziziye Mosque in London
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He lamented that the numbers had gone "in the wrong direction to a record high".
The Prime Minister emphasised that behind the statistics were "real people impacted everyday by this hatred".
He described families "fearful for their children facing harassment on our streets".
The Prime Minister admitted that he was "horrified" by the "wave of hatred we have seen directed towards British Muslims".
He specifically condemned hatred "whipped up by far-right rhetoric and disinformation".
Keir Starmer
GETTYThe Prime Minister referenced the aftermath of the Southport tragedy last summer, when three young girls were murdered.
Anti-immigration riots followed the incident, with some even targeting Muslim communities.
Starmer contrasted the violent scenes with the positive response seen in Southport days after the riots.
He praised those who rebuilt a wall in front of a damaged mosque, calling it "the true spirit of this country".
The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by wishing attendees a "peaceful, blessed and fruitful holy month".
