According to Reuters, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government could consider banning pro-Palestinian marches in some circumstances because of the “cumulative effect” the demonstrations have had on the Jewish community. Reuters reported that Starmer made the remarks after two Jewish men were stabbed in London, with authorities treating the attack as part of a broader surge in antisemitic concern. Reuters also said Starmer defended freedom of expression and peaceful protest while arguing that slogans such as “Globalise the Intifada” were “completely off limits.”
As reported by ITV News, Starmer said protesters had a responsibility to challenge people using the slogan “globalise the intifada” at Gaza marches, and he called for “tougher action” against such language. ITV News said his comments came amid heightened concern over antisemitism in the UK following recent attacks.
What Starmer said
Reuters reported that Starmer told the BBC the government could impose new powers in some cases to restrict demonstrations, while still protecting lawful protest. The outlet said he argued that people using incendiary chants should be prosecuted.
ITV News reported that Starmer framed the issue as a matter of responsibility for demonstrators, saying they should ask why they were not calling out the chant. The report placed his comments in the context of wider pressure on the government to respond to antisemitic incidents.
Reactions and context
According to Al Jazeera, the remarks followed criticism from Jewish community members after the Golders Green attack, with some locals booing Starmer during a visit to the scene and a Jewish volunteer ambulance service. Al Jazeera also reported that critics linked the protest climate to rising hostility, while supporters of the slogan said it was meant as a call to broaden the pro-Palestine movement globally.
The Wall Street Journal reported that British officials were weighing restrictions on pro-Palestinian demonstrations after what one government official described as an environment that could foster antisemitism. The outlet said the stabbing in Golders Green left two men seriously injured, and that the suspect was later charged with attempted murder.
Supporting details
Reuters reported that Britain raised its terrorism threat level to “severe” amid security concerns, and that counterterrorism officials said Jewish and Israeli people and institutions faced an elevated threat. The report said police were also concerned about a broader international situation affecting domestic security.
Al Jazeera reported that Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said people using the phrase “globalise the intifada” were “likely to be arrested,” underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are treating the issue.
What happens next
Reuters said the government is considering whether existing protest rules are sufficient or whether new powers may be needed in specific circumstances. The report indicates the debate is now centered on how to balance free expression, public order, and protections for Jewish communities.
ITV News and Reuters both show that the immediate pressure on Starmer is likely to continue as police and ministers respond to the aftermath of the London attack and the public dispute over Gaza demonstrations.
Starmer’s latest comments place the UK government under renewed pressure to respond more forcefully to antisemitic abuse connected to Gaza protests while maintaining the right to peaceful demonstration. The issue now sits at the intersection of protest policing, public safety, and community relations.
