I want to send my very best wishes to everyone celebrating Chanukah in our Jewish communities here in the UK and all around the world.
It marks the triumph of freedom over hatred. And it calls on us all – whatever our religion or background – to defend the values and way of life that we share.
So as the Menorah candles are lit, let us renew that pledge today.
Let us celebrate that in Britain you can practice your faith free from question or fear.
Let us take pride in the extraordinary contribution made by members of the Jewish Community in all areas of national life.
Let us redouble our efforts to fight anti-Semitism in all its forms – including unequivocally condemning those who abhorrently use criticism of the Israeli government to question the right of Israel to exist.
And let us draw hope from the message of Chanukah, confident in our values and determined to defeat hatred and extremism wherever it is found – today and for every generation to come.