Ask Onix
Prime Minister weighs restrictions on protests
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has suggested that certain demonstrations may need to be prohibited, citing the cumulative impact of repeated pro-Palestinian marches on the Jewish community. In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Starmer indicated support for both stricter policing of protest language and, in some cases, outright bans.
Recent violence fuels debate
The discussion follows a stabbing attack in Golders Green, north London, on Wednesday, where two Jewish men were injured. Police have classified the incident as terrorism. Essa Suleiman, 45, appeared in court on Friday charged with attempted murder. The attack is the latest in a series of violent acts targeting Jewish individuals in the UK.
Last year, the government launched a review of public order and hate crime legislation after two Jewish people were killed outside a Manchester synagogue. The review, initially expected to conclude in February, remains unpublished.
Calls for moratorium on pro-Palestinian marches
Jonathan Hall, the government's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, has urged a temporary halt to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, arguing that such protests currently foster antisemitic rhetoric. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis echoed this sentiment, stating that the marches have contributed to a "tone of Jew hatred" in the country.
Starmer acknowledged the Jewish community's concerns about the repetitive nature of the protests, stating, "It's the repeat nature, it's the cumulative effect." While defending the right to peaceful protest, he added, "We need to look at what further powers we can take."
"I will defend the right of peaceful protest very strongly and freedom of speech. I'm not saying, of course, that there aren't very strong, legitimate views about the Middle East, about Gaza. We all have deep concerns about it."
Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
Political reactions split
The Stop the War Coalition, which has organised several marches, condemned linking protests to antisemitic attacks, calling it "wrong." Green Party leader Zack Polanski accused Starmer of "using the pain and fear of Jewish people to threaten further authoritarian restrictions on peaceful protest."
The Liberal Democrats emphasised that protests should only proceed if deemed safe, with police scrutinising each case. The party's home affairs spokesperson, Max Wilkinson MP, stressed the need for robust policing to prevent antisemitic abuse and violence.
Jeremy Corbyn's Your Party warned against restricting civil liberties in response to the attacks, while the Conservatives and Reform UK have pushed for a tougher stance on demonstrations.
Legal framework for protest restrictions
Police in England and Wales can impose conditions on protests, such as designated routes or time limits. Outright bans require approval from the home secretary and are rarely used. Last month, the government approved a Metropolitan Police request to ban the Al Quds Day march in London, marking the first such prohibition since 2012.
Controversial chants under scrutiny
Starmer also addressed the chant "globalise the intifada," describing it as "very dangerous" to the Jewish community and calling for its prosecution. The term intifada, originating from the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in 1987, is viewed by Jewish groups as a call for violence, while pro-Palestinian groups argue it represents peaceful resistance.
In December, the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police announced they would arrest individuals using the slogan in chants or on placards, following an attack on a Jewish festival in Australia.
Government response to Jewish community concerns
During a visit to Golders Green on Thursday, Starmer faced heckling from protesters chanting "Keir Starmer, Jew Harmer." He acknowledged the "depth of feeling" among Jewish communities, many of whom feel unsafe, but defended the government's actions, pointing to enhanced police security and increased funding for Jewish community protection.
