LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his government may seek additional authority to prohibit pro-Palestinian demonstrations under certain conditions, citing what he described as the “cumulative effect” these rallies have had on Jewish residents following Wednesday’s stabbing of two Jewish men in London.
Speaking to the BBC, Starmer emphasized his commitment to protecting freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, but declared that certain protest chants such as “Globalise the Intifada” cross a clear line and warrant criminal charges for those who use them.
Since Hamas launched its October 2023 assault on Israel that sparked the current Gaza conflict, pro-Palestinian rallies have occurred regularly throughout London. Those opposing the demonstrations claim they foster animosity and serve as platforms for antisemitic sentiment.
Demonstration participants maintain they are utilizing their constitutional rights to draw attention to continuing human rights violations and political concerns regarding Gaza.
While acknowledging that “very strong legitimate views about the Middle East, about Gaza” exist, Starmer noted that numerous Jewish community members have expressed worry about the repeated nature of these gatherings.
When questioned whether stricter measures should target specific chants and signage or halt entire protests, Starmer responded: “I think certainly the first, and I think there are instances for the latter.”
“I think it’s time to look across the board at protests and the cumulative effect,” he explained, noting that his administration must examine what additional powers it might pursue.
On Thursday, Britain elevated its terrorism threat assessment to “severe” due to growing security worries that foreign nations are contributing to violence, particularly targeting Jewish communities.
Counter-terrorism police chief Laurence Taylor stated in a release: “We are seeing an elevated threat to Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions in the UK,” while noting law enforcement efforts “against an unpredictable global situation that has consequences closer to home, including physical threats by state-linked actors.”
