UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urges a police crackdown on offensive chants at pro-Palestinian protests after students defy warnings.
As reported by The Telegraph, Sir Keir Starmer calls for stricter police action against offensive chants at pro-Gaza protests marking the Oct 7 anniversary of Gaza-Israel attacks.
The Prime Minister urged further action after activists ignored his call to respect Jewish mourning for the Hamas attacks.
Universities across Britain held protests on Oct 7, marking two years since the massacre that killed 1,200, the largest single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust.
After an attack on a north Manchester synagogue by an Islamist extremist, two worshippers died and several others were seriously injured. New police powers aim to curb repeated protests, considering their “cumulative impact.”
Keir Starmer’s views on police action on protest chants
Sir Keir Starmer said,
“I think we need to go further than that in relation to some of the chants that are going on at some of these protests.”
He speaks on the flight to Mumbai ahead of UK-India trade talks, adding,
“Obviously operational matters are very much a matter for the police, so there’s only so much the Government can do.”
Mr Starmer stated,
“But I do think we need to have a conversation with various police forces about the way in which these are being policed and what measures can be taken. That has to be part of the review that we carry into what powers do we have and how they’re being exercised.”
The Labour leader continued,
“And then the question of do any of these powers therefore need to be changed or enhanced? And that’s the exercise we’re going through. But we are talking at length to leaders of the Jewish community about this, as you would expect.”
The prime minister warns that more action is needed against antisemitic chants at pro-Gaza protests.
He stated,
“I’ve asked the home secretary to look more broadly at what other powers are available, how they’re being used and whether they should be changed in any way. I think we need to go further than that in relation to some of the chants that are going on at some of these protests.”
Mr Starmer said the review will examine all current government powers over public order, adding,
“I think we need to review more broadly public order powers and there will be a series of actions that we will agree in due course across Whitehall.”
What steps are Keir Starmer and Shabana Mahmood taking against antisemitism at pro-Palestine protests?
Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned against holding demonstrations on the anniversary of the attack, which left over 1,000 dead.
She described the decision to hold another pro-Palestine protest as “fundamentally un-British” and “dishonourable.”
In a Times article on Oct 7, marking the anniversary, the Prime Minister urged universities and the NHS to take stronger action against antisemitism.
He added,
“We will continue to fund the security of Jewish schools and synagogues and take every possible step to stand up to this hatred wherever it is found.”
Mr Starmer continued,
“But back here in the UK, our Jewish communities have also endured rising antisemitism on our streets, in our country. And last week, a horrifying terrorist attack on the holy day of Yom Kippur in Manchester.”
MPs are under scrutiny after mass arrests of pro-Palestine protesters, many for displaying placards. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faced boos at a Manchester vigil following an Islamist attack that claimed two lives.
What did university leaders say to students about the Oct 7 protests?
Ahead of the October 7 anniversary, university leaders urged students to act responsibly. The Prime Minister described the protests as “un-British.”
In a letter to students, University of Edinburgh principal and vice-chancellor Professor Sir Peter Mathieson stated,
“I appeal to members of our community, irrespective of their race, religion, nationality or beliefs, to think carefully about their actions, their motivations and the effect that they might have on other members of our community.”
He added,
“Our community should not attempt to justify or glorify acts of gratuitous violence against innocents. It is important that anyone participating in demonstrations against what is happening in Gaza does not fall into this trap.”
What did Bridget Phillipson say about student protests on Oct 7?
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called on students joining protests to pause and act with humanity.
She said,
“There is, of course, within our country the fundamental right to protest. It’s a cornerstone of our democracy.”
Ms Phillipson added,
“But my message is that, as we remember the awful atrocities that took place two years ago on October 7, I would just encourage those considering taking part in protests to pause, to reflect and to understand the deep sense of loss that many people in our country will be experiencing today, not least given the appalling attacks we saw at Manchester last week.”
What did Ed Davey say about protests on the Oct 7 anniversary?
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called participation in pro-Palestine protests on the second anniversary “completely wrong.”
He added,
“I think people shouldn’t protest today. Liberal Democrats are giving a strong message that protesting on this anniversary with all the grief and sadness of it, particularly in the UK given what happened last week in Manchester with the appalling terrorist attack on worshippers at the synagogue. I think it would be completely wrong for people to protest.”
How was Sir Keir Starmer welcomed in India?
Sir Keir Starmer received a grand welcome in Mumbai, with his face on hundreds of city billboards.
Giant posters displayed Mr Starmer with PM Narendra Modi, signalling a “new chapter in India-UK ties.”
The streets came alive with music and performers in vivid costumes, with small stages set up along the Prime Minister’s route.
When asked about his goal for the trip on the plane, Mr Starmer responded,
“This is a really important trip, it should be seen as the second part of the improved relations with India on the back of the FTA.”
He added,
“You can see from the sheer number of CEOs that we’ve got on board just how much it matters to our country.”
The Prime Minister seeks to reinforce the UK-India trade deal signed in July and meet Mr Modi to boost collaboration on AI and defence technology.
