UK considers new powers to restrict pro-Palestinian marches

The UK government could introduce new powers to restrict pro-Palestinian marches in certain cases, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, following rising security concerns and recent violence in London, according to Al-Monitor via Reuters on May 2nd.

Starmer’s comments came after two Jewish men were stabbed in the capital, an incident that has heightened fears within the Jewish community. He said that while freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest would always be protected, some elements seen during recent demonstrations were unacceptable. In particular, he pointed to chants such as “Globalise the Intifada,” describing them as “completely off limits” and stating that those responsible should face prosecution.

Pro-Palestinian marches have taken place regularly in London since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Critics argue that some of these demonstrations have contributed to hostility and antisemitism, while participants insist they are exercising their democratic right to draw attention to humanitarian and political issues linked to Gaza.

Starmer acknowledged that there are “very strong legitimate views” about the Middle East, but said repeated protests were having a growing impact on parts of the population. He suggested that authorities should examine both specific elements such as chants and banners, as well as the possibility of restricting demonstrations altogether in certain situations.

“I think it’s time to look across the board at protests and the cumulative effect,” he said, adding that the government should consider what additional powers might be necessary.

The debate comes as the UK has raised its terrorism threat level to “severe,” reflecting broader concerns about security. Laurence Taylor, the head of counter-terrorism policing, warned of an increased risk to Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions, noting that global tensions are having direct consequences within the country.

Police also highlighted the possibility of threats linked to foreign actors, describing the situation as increasingly unpredictable.

Overall, the government’s stance signals a potential shift toward stricter oversight of protests, as officials seek to balance civil liberties with growing concerns over public safety and community tensions.

Al-Monitor via Reuters, Maghrebi.org