UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK university leaders urge students to think carefully before pro-Palestine protests on the October 7 anniversary, citing sensitivity and legal threats.
As reported by The Independent, university leaders urged students to act carefully during the October 7 protests, after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called them “un-British.”
Students from multiple universities will hold pro-Palestine rallies, ignoring the Prime Minister’s call to avoid protests on Gaza-Israel attacks’ second anniversary.
Sir Peter Mathieson’s views on student demonstrations
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 Edinburgh and London students plan for the Gaza rally?
A rally organised by Edinburgh students and other pro-Palestine groups is expected today.
Edinburgh’s Justice for Palestine Society and student coalition said discouraging protests is “a blatant attempt to silence debate” on the ongoing genocide.
London students from multiple institutions plan to gather for a protest in the city on Tuesday. Online listings show the capital protest will include students from King’s, LSE, UCL, SOAS, and Roehampton.
University of Strathclyde’s stance on the protest delay
A spokesperson for the University of Strathclyde confirmed the protest delay, citing sensitivity while backing free speech.
They added,
“We believe that holding an event of this nature on this date is insensitive and we have asked that they delay to show their civic responsibility and common decency.”
What did UUK chief Vivienne Stern say about the October 7 protests?
Vivienne Stern, the UUK’s chief executive, stated,
“While universities must be places where contentious views can be expressed, and while universities have a legal duty to uphold free speech, we urge students and staff participating in protests to remember that 7 October is the anniversary of an atrocious attack on innocent people, and that expressing support for a terrorist organisation is a criminal offence.”
Why did the University of Liverpool postpone the fundraising event?
The University of Liverpool’s Guild of Students has postponed a planned fundraising event to a new date.
A spokesperson for the university stated,
“We work in close partnership with our Guild of Students, the primary representative body for students at the University, to promote an inclusive, respectful and welcoming campus culture and environment.”
They added,
“This includes working with hundreds of student societies, representing a wide range of causes, activities and areas of interest for our diverse, global community. Following discussions, the organisers of this proposed event have agreed to move this fundraising activity to an alternative date.”
Keir Starmer’s stance on the two years since the Hamas attacks
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said,
“Today we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.”
He stated,
“Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The brutal, cold-blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today.”
The Labour leader added,
“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. This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.”
What did Bridget Phillipson say about student protests?
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has urged students planning to join protests to pause and show 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 Louis Danker say about the October 7 protests?
Louis Danker, the president of the Union of Jewish Students, stated,
“We respect the right to protest and the importance of free speech within the law. There are 365 days in the year and on one of them – 7 October – Jewish students seek the space to mourn their loved ones murdered in southern Israel.”
He said,
“Moreover, marking ‘two years of resistance’ on 7 October echoes the explicit justification and glorification of the Hamas terrorist attacks on campus witnessed over the last two years.”
Mr Danker added,
“No Jewish student should have to stand by as others glorify a day that marks such loss for our community. We have written to vice-chancellors and university leaders to remind them of their obligation to stand against the glorification of terror.”
How many have died in Gaza since the October 7 attack?
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel.
In southern Israel, thousands have gathered to mourn victims of the October 7 attack, while Israel and Hamas officials hold indirect talks in Egypt.
About 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and restricted aid has caused a severe hunger crisis, with experts warning of famine.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, nearly 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, with no distinction between civilians and fighters. The UN and other experts regard the ministry’s figures as the most trustworthy estimate of casualties during the war.
Arrests at Trafalgar Square protests
In central London’s Trafalgar Square, crowds marked the October 7 anniversary, while pro-Palestine protests led to nearly 500 arrests.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said ongoing large protests are causing “considerable fear” for the Jewish community. She pledged to give the police greater powers to control them.
The government will reform the Public Order Act 1986. The changes will give police powers to consider the cumulative impact of frequent protests on local communities.
Ms Mahmmod will review current legislation to ensure police powers are sufficient and consistently applied.