UK PM Starmer Considers Banning Pro-Palestinian Marches Amid Security Concerns
Government Response to Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations
Context of Recent Violence
LONDON, May 2 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government could ban pro-Palestinian marches in some circumstances because of the "cumulative effect" the demonstrations had on the Jewish community after two Jewish men were stabbed in London on Wednesday.
Balancing Freedom of Expression and Public Safety
Starmer told the BBC that he would always defend freedom of expression and peaceful protest, but chants like "Globalise the Intifada" during demonstrations were "completely off limits" and those voicing them should be prosecuted.
Concerns Over Antisemitism
Pro-Palestinian marches have become a regular feature in London since the October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel that triggered the Gaza war. Critics say the demonstrations have generated hostility and become a focus for antisemitism.
Protesters’ Perspective
Protesters have argued they are exercising their democratic right to spotlight ongoing human rights and political issues related to the situation in Gaza.
Government’s Consideration of Further Measures
Starmer said he was not denying there were "very strong legitimate views about the Middle East, about Gaza", but many people in the Jewish community had told him they were concerned about the repeat nature of the marches.
Scope of Potential Restrictions
Asked if the tougher response should focus on chants and banners, or whether the protests should be stopped altogether, Starmer said: "I think certainly the first, and I think there are instances for the latter."
Reviewing Protest Policies
"I think it's time to look across the board at protests and the cumulative effect," he said, adding that the government needed to look at what further powers it could take.
Rising Security Threats
Britain raised its terrorism threat level to "severe" on Thursday amid mounting security concerns that foreign states were helping fuel violence, including against the Jewish community.
Police and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
"We are seeing an elevated threat to Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions in the UK," the head of counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, said in a statement, adding that police were also working "against an unpredictable global situation that has consequences closer to home, including physical threats by state-linked actors."
(Reporting by Paul SandleEditing by Keith Weir)
