The Liberal Democrats will protect funding for security measures in Jewish schools if the party returns to government after May’s election, Nick Clegg has announced.

The Deputy Prime Minister said his party would guarantee the continuation of the £2.3m funding the Department for Education provides.

Jewish state schools use the money to provide additional security measures.

Working with the Community Security Trust, the government’s Additional Security Fund provides guards at 48 Jewish voluntary-aided faith schools in England.

Mr Clegg said: “We stand in solidarity with the Jewish people in light of the appalling attacks in Paris and Copenhagen.

“Now, more than ever, we need to provide the help that communities need in order to feel safe.

“I know that security in schools is a particular worry for parents. Parents should be able to drop their kids off at school free of fear.

“That is why I can confirm today that the Liberal Democrats will protect central government funding for security at Jewish state schools until 2020.

“We will also look to expand the fund in future to include Muslim voluntary-aided schools and other faith schools where there are particular security needs.”

Conservative and Labour representatives have also said they would guarantee the funding if elected in May.