Amber Rudd, the new Home Secretary, has pledged to combat antisemitism and said she understood British Jews’ feelings of fear and vulnerability.

Ms Rudd said Theresa May’s government would stand “steadfastly alongside Israel”.

Speaking at the annual fundraising dinner for the British Emunah charity, Ms Rudd spoke of the “seismic” changes in Britain since the EU Referendum in June.

But in last night’s address she added: “Throughout this period of political change, there has been a constant - the government's commitment to the security of Israel and our unwavering determination to fight against the evils of antisemitism. Let there be no doubt, I will not stand for antisemitism or any form of hatred.”

In her first engagement with the Jewish community since taking on the role, Ms Rudd, who has been an MP since 2010, described her feelings on first visiting Israel four years ago.

The Conservative Friends of Israel trip had allowed her to learn “a great amount about the threats Israel faces on a daily basis.

“My visit was as uplifting as it was eye-opening, as we learnt about the newly established UK-Israel Tech Hub and the close collaboration between our two countries across many sectors, which has gone from strength to strength.”

Ms Rudd said that Britain would support Israel’s right to self-defence and would work towards a two-state solution.

On the domestic front she added: “The UK is not immune to the evil of antisemitism. I know that many in the Jewish community are feeling vulnerable and fearful.

“I stand before you tonight to reassure you that this government will never waiver in its determination to fight antisemitism.”

Ms Rudd concluded: “We are Great Britain because we are a proud, diverse society united by values such as democracy, free speech, mutual respect and opportunity for all. Hatred does not get a seat at the table, and we will do everything we can to stamp it out.”

Read Amber Rudd's full speak to the British Emunah dinner here