LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that banning certain pro-Palestinian marches in the United Kingdom could be justified, particularly when they involve controversial slogans, amid rising security concerns and recent violent incidents.
Speaking in a televised interview, Starmer stressed his support for peaceful demonstrations but drew a clear line on specific rhetoric. “I’m a big defender of freedom of expression, peaceful protests,” he said. “But when there are chants like ‘globalise the intifada’, that’s completely off limits.”
“Clearly, there should be tougher action in relation to that,” he added.
The remarks come after a series of antisemitic incidents, including a stabbing attack in Golders Green, a north London area with a significant Jewish population. Authorities have charged a 45-year-old British man with attempted murder in connection with the attack.
Starmer, who visited the area following the incident, faced criticism from some residents who accused him of not doing enough to ensure their safety.
Community members also raised concerns over ongoing pro-Palestinian marches, which have been taking place across the UK since the Gaza massacre escalated in October 2023.
The prime minister said many Jewish citizens had expressed concern about the “repeat nature” of such protests and the language used during them. He indicated that authorities are considering stronger policing measures and, in some cases, the possibility of preventing marches altogether.
Police in London and Manchester had already warned last year that chanting “globalise the intifada” could lead to arrests.
The UK recently raised its national security alert level to “severe,” citing threats from extremism. Officials say law enforcement agencies will closely monitor future demonstrations as debates intensify over balancing public safety and freedom of expression.
Such incidents have increased across several Western countries alongside pro-Palestinian demonstrations following Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has so far killed more than 72,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Authorities in multiple countries have reported a rise in hate-related incidents and heightened tensions linked to the conflict, prompting increased security measures around protests and vulnerable communities.
