Some pro-Palestinian protests could be banned amid attacks on British Jews
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suggested that some pro-Palestinian protests could be banned due to concerns over rising antisemitism and the cumulative impact of repeated demonstrations. He emphasized the need for tougher action on certain protest chants while reaffirming support for peaceful protest and free speech. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley warned that British Jews are facing the highest threat level ever, targeted by a wide range of extremist groups and hostile states.
- ▪Keir Starmer said there are instances in which he would support stopping some pro-Palestinian protests altogether.
- ▪Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley stated that the threat to British Jews is greater than ever before, citing a convergence of hate crimes, terrorism, and foreign interference.
- ▪Rowley described British Jews as being at the center of a 'ghastly Venn diagram' of extremism involving far-left, Islamist, right-wing, and state-linked threats.
- ▪Recent attacks include arson attempts on synagogues, vandalism of memorials, and firebombing of Jewish community ambulances in London.
- ▪Starmer confirmed that discussions with police about protest restrictions have been ongoing for some time, not just in response to recent incidents.
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A march calling for peace in Gaza in London, UK, in 2025. Starmer said there were instances in which he would support stopping some protests altogether. Photograph: Guy Bell/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenA march calling for peace in Gaza in London, UK, in 2025. Starmer said there were instances in which he would support stopping some protests altogether. Photograph: Guy Bell/ShutterstockPoliticsSome pro-Palestinian protests could be banned amid attacks on British JewsPM worried about ‘cumulative’ effect of marches, as Met chief says Jewish communities facing biggest threatKevin RawlinsonSat 2 May 2026 05.29 EDTLast modified on Sat 2 May 2026 05.37 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleSome pro-Palestinian demonstrations could be stopped, the prime minister has warned, as the UK’s…
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