UK PM Starmer seeks to ban some pro-Palestine protests
Al Jazeera Staff
UK PM Keir Starmer has signaled support for tighter restrictions on pro-Palestine protests, saying the slogan 'globalize the Intifada' should be banned and that some marches could be prevented. Pressure has mounted after antisemitic incidents, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in London. Critics accuse the government of suppressing free speech and pro-Palestine activism.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced support for tightening regulations on language used at pro-Palestine protests, suggesting that in some cases, gatherings could be banned outright. Speaking to the BBC on December 28, Starmer said: “I am a strong defender of the right to free speech and peaceful protest. But when you have slogans like ‘globalize the Intifada,’ that is completely unacceptable.”
He emphasized the need for stronger action in such cases, noting that discussions with police on additional measures have been ongoing for some time. When asked whether he would support banning certain protests entirely, the UK Prime Minister confirmed that such action would be appropriate in some instances.
Earlier this week, Starmer described the slogan “globalize the Intifada” as “extremely racist” and said those using it “should be prosecuted.” London Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley also warned that individuals using the phrase “are likely to be arrested.” Meanwhile, supporters of the slogan argue that it simply calls for expanding the pro-Palestine movement into a global campaign.
Pressure on Starmer has mounted following a series of antisemitic incidents, most recently the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London. A 45-year-old British citizen born in Somalia has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on December 27 on charges of attempted murder. The Prime Minister visited the scene of the attack and a Jewish volunteer ambulance service on December 26, but was met with jeers and criticism from some residents who accused him of failing to protect the community.
On December 26, the UK raised its security alert level to “severe” – the second-highest level – partly due to the Golders Green attack. The UK government continues to face criticism for suppressing pro-Palestine activism amid the war in Gaza. Last month, British police arrested more than 500 people during a large gathering in central London in response to a ban on the campaign group Palestine Action. One participant at that gathering told Al Jazeera: “I think the UK has become undemocratic, and it is very dangerous for free speech.”
