Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has been booed and jeered as he took the stage at the rally against antisemitism. The Labour MP was drowned out by boos as he said: “I come to speak for something, for the freedom, for the freedom that marks us out as a great country.”

But he continued: “Friends, I hear you, I am with you, I am here to fight antisemitism.” It came as politicians from a number of political parties took to the stage to speak at the rally against antisemitism in London on Sunday. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch was met with applause and cheers.

“There are many, many different pockets of antisemitism in this country, but I am most worried about the growth of extremism and terror around the world and how it targets many groups in this country. Britain has been a sanctuary for Jewish people, and it must always be a sanctuary for Jewish people.”

As Mr McFadden spoke at the rally, protesters shouted “shame” and “it’s your party’s fault”. Others shouted: “When will you act,” and “Jew harmer” at him.

Pictures show some protesters holiding signs that read: “British Jews deserve better”, “where is Keir” and “Brits against antisemitism”. It is reported that thousands have gathered outside Downing Street with strict security measures in place.

All attendees have to go through airport style security at the Trafalgar Square entrance to Whitehall before joining the rally. Meanwhile, Millbank remains closed, with multiple police vans parked at each entrance and police officers on foot patrolling the area.

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, also went on to stage to some jeers. However, the MC of the event told the audience he was here as a friend and the boos stopped.

Sir Ed said: “Extremism is the enemy of the Jewish people. Extremism is the enemy of our country. I say to moderates, let us unite. Let us unite, because the extremists are on the march and if we don’t unite, they will win.

“I want to make sure that we can continue this fight so we can get back our country, so you don’t have to contemplate leaving our great country, and I commit myself and my party to work with other moderates, to make sure that happens.”

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, was also met with applause as he addressed the rally. He told the crowd: “The scourge of antisemitism has been allowed to flourish in our beloved country, and we have to say we are sick and tired of warm words from waffly politicians.”

He added: “We need to take on the failure of leadership in our universities. Maybe we should say to the universities, if you allow this to carry on, forget any form of grants. Forget any form of student loans. Forget any form of research funding.”