Minister Claims Pro-Palestinian Marches Hijacked by Divisive Elements
A Home Office minister has stated that pro-Palestinian marches in British cities have been "hijacked" by individuals aiming to sow division, as the government's handling of these demonstrations faces renewed examination.
Alex Davies-Jones acknowledged that antisemitic activity has occurred during these marches and affirmed the government's readiness to approve bans when necessary.
However, she emphasized that protest remains a "fundamental right" and highlighted that not all participants in the marches hold antisemitic views.
This statement follows Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis joining calls for a temporary ban on the marches after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green on Wednesday.
The stabbing in the north London suburb, which police have declared a terror incident, has intensified political discussions regarding the protection of British Jews.
Jonathan Hall KC, the government's reviewer of terrorism legislation, has advocated for a "moratorium" on pro-Palestinian marches, contending that it is "clearly impossible at the moment" for these events not to "incubate" antisemitism.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sir Ephraim expressed his desire to see the moratorium implemented promptly, stating:
"I would love to see it being implemented ASAP, before the next demonstrations which are planned."
He further remarked that the marches have contributed to a "tone of Jew hatred within our country," adding:
"We are witnessing the normalisation of antisemitism, and it most definitely has not been taken seriously enough."
Nevertheless, Mr Hall's proposal has faced criticism from the Stop the War Coalition, a campaign group involved in organizing several previous marches.
The group condemned "all forms of antisemitism and racism" but argued it was "wrong" to link the marches directly to attacks on Jews.
'Right to Protest'
Police forces in England and Wales possess the authority to impose restrictions on protests under certain conditions, including specifying routes or setting end times.
They may seek to ban protests entirely if existing powers are insufficient to prevent "serious public disorder," but such bans require home secretary approval and are infrequently used.
Last month, the government authorized the Metropolitan Police's request to ban the Al Quds Day march in London, marking the first protest march ban since 2012.
In an interview with Times Radio, Davies-Jones indicated that this decision demonstrated the government's willingness to act when necessary, while underscoring the importance of balancing restrictions with the right to demonstrate.
She cited evidence of antisemitic behavior during pro-Palestinian marches, including:
"chants of death, calls for global intifada, for example"
She added:
"That is wrong – but people do have the right to protest the actions of Israel if that's what they deem fit, and I think it's really really important here that we recognise that not everybody on these marches is antisemitic.
They have been hijacked by certain individuals who are seeking to cause division and hatred in our country, and are using these marches, using these positions to cause fear and intimidation, and that is wrong."
Upcoming Marches
On Friday, Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley stated that his force would "go as far as we absolutely can" within current legal limits to "maximise the sense of safety" in London.
He noted that the police are reevaluating what restrictions might be "reasonable" for major protests planned in the coming weeks.
The Stop the War Coalition is organizing its annual march to mark Nakba Day on 16 May, which commemorates the 1948 displacement of Palestinians during Israel's creation.
On the same day, a "Unite the Kingdom" rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson is also scheduled.
The government commissioned a review of public order and hate crime legislation last year, expected in February, but it has not yet been published.
Speaking on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer indicated that ministers are considering "further measures we can take on protests," suggesting the government is contemplating additional restrictions.
The prime minister also urged police to prosecute individuals chanting "globalise the intifada" during demonstrations, stating that the phrase has caused British Jews to feel scared and intimidated.
The term "intifada" gained prominence during the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1987.
Jewish groups interpret the term as a call for violence against Jewish people, whereas pro-Palestinian groups describe it as a call for peaceful resistance to Israel's occupation of the West Bank and actions in Gaza.
In December, the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police announced they would adjust their approach to the slogan following an attack at a Jewish festival on Australia's Bondi Beach, committing to arrest those using it in chants or on placards.
