Britain's political leaders have extolled the virtues of the Jewish community in their annual Rosh Hashanah greetings.

David Cameron said the High Holy-Days provided an opportunity to assess "the immense contribution Jews make in Britain: excelling in every field, contributing in every community, and living by those values - of decency, tolerance, hard work and responsibility - that are so central to the Jewish faith and to British life".

The Prime Minister said he hoped for a future free of conflict and prejudice, spurred by a "lasting peace in the Middle East".

"It means wiping out prejudice in this country, because we will not tolerate antisemitism in Britain. No disagreements on politics or policy can ever justify racism in any form.

"When mosques came under attack, it was the Jewish community who came to their defence. When a synagogue was under threat, it was the Muslim community that raised the funds to save it from closure.

Jewish values are so central to British life David Cameron

"This says a lot about who we are in this country - and it's something we can celebrate and build upon."

Labour leader Ed Miliband picked a similar theme, reflecting on his visits to synagogues, Jewish schools and charities. "I have been moved by the warmth and energy which is so evident, underpinned by values of personal responsibility and communal solidarity - values which I believe should be at the heart of British society."

He condemned antisemitism and said he had worked with Labour colleagues to ensure British Jews felt safe.

Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the government was grateful for the difference made by the Jewish community.

"Jewish charities and voluntary organisations are admired across the country. Their many impressive achievements are only made possible by the thousands of people in the Jewish communities who give up their time," Mr Clegg said.