LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated on Thursday that the government might introduce new powers to ban pro-Palestinian marches under certain circumstances, citing the "cumulative effect" of the demonstrations on the Jewish community following a stabbing incident involving two Jewish men in the capital.
The remarks came amid heightened security concerns in the UK, where authorities raised the national terrorism threat level to "severe" on Thursday. This elevation signals a high likelihood of an attack, according to officials. The decision followed the stabbing of the two men in London on Wednesday, an event that has intensified debates over public protests related to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Speaking to the BBC, Starmer emphasized his commitment to freedom of expression and peaceful protest. "I would always defend freedom of expression and peaceful protest," he said. However, he drew a firm line at inflammatory rhetoric, stating that chants like "Globalise the Intifada" during demonstrations were "completely off limits" and that those voicing them should face prosecution.
Pro-Palestinian marches have been a frequent occurrence in London since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, which sparked the current war in Gaza. These gatherings, often drawing thousands to the streets, have highlighted demands for a ceasefire and an end to Israeli military operations. According to organizers, the protests represent a vital exercise of democratic rights to address human rights and political issues in the region.
Critics, including members of the Jewish community, have argued that the repeated demonstrations have fostered an atmosphere of hostility and served as a focal point for antisemitism. Starmer noted that many in the Jewish community had expressed concerns to him about the ongoing nature of the marches. "Many people in the Jewish community had told me they were concerned about the repeat nature of the marches," he said.
The prime minister's comments were prompted by questions about whether authorities should target specific elements like chants and banners or impose broader restrictions on the protests themselves. Starmer responded, "I think certainly the first, and I think there are instances for the latter." He advocated for a comprehensive review of protest regulations, adding, "I think it's time to look across the board at protests and the cumulative effect."
This broader examination, Starmer suggested, could lead to additional powers for the government to intervene. "The government needed to look at what further powers it could take," he said, signaling potential legislative changes to address public order amid international tensions.
The stabbing incident on Wednesday occurred in London, though specific details about the location and the victims' conditions were not immediately released by authorities. Police have not yet confirmed a motive, but the event has been linked in public discourse to rising concerns over antisemitic violence. It comes against a backdrop of increased incidents targeting Jewish individuals and institutions since the Gaza war began.
Laurence Taylor, the head of counter-terrorism policing in the UK, issued a statement underscoring the gravity of the situation. "We are seeing an elevated threat to Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions in the UK," Taylor said. He added that police were responding to "an unpredictable global situation that has consequences closer to home, including physical threats by state-linked actors."
The raise in the terrorism threat level to "severe" — the second-highest tier — was announced by the UK's Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre on Thursday. This assessment reflects mounting worries that foreign states may be contributing to violence within the country, including attacks on the Jewish community. The last time the level was at "severe" was in 2020, before being lowered following the easing of pandemic-related threats.
Pro-Palestinian activists have pushed back against suggestions of blanket bans on their gatherings. In statements following similar discussions in recent months, protest organizers have maintained that their events are peaceful and essential for raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed since October 2023, according to United Nations reports. One prominent group, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, has previously argued that restricting such protests would undermine fundamental civil liberties.
Starmer, who leads the Labour Party and assumed office in July 2024 after a landslide election victory, has navigated a delicate balance on the Israel-Gaza issue. His government has called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza while condemning antisemitism at home. Earlier in his tenure, Starmer faced internal party divisions over the conflict, with some Labour members advocating stronger support for Palestinian rights.
The prime minister acknowledged the legitimacy of diverse views on the Middle East. "I am not denying there were very strong legitimate views about the Middle East, about Gaza," he told the BBC. Yet, he stressed the need to protect vulnerable communities from the spillover effects of global conflicts.
Beyond London, similar tensions have arisen in other UK cities, where pro-Palestinian demonstrations have occasionally led to clashes with counter-protesters or police. In November 2023, for instance, a large march in the capital prompted police to arrest dozens for public order offenses, including displays of offensive banners. Authorities have since updated guidelines on what constitutes hate speech at such events.
Looking ahead, Starmer's call for new powers could spark legislative debates in Parliament. Civil liberties groups, such as Liberty and Amnesty International, have warned that overly broad restrictions on protests could set a dangerous precedent for free speech in the UK. Meanwhile, Jewish advocacy organizations like the Board of Deputies of British Jews have welcomed tougher measures against incitement, urging swift action to safeguard minority communities.
As the Gaza war enters its ninth month, with no immediate resolution in sight, the UK government's approach to domestic protests remains under scrutiny. Officials have indicated that consultations on protest laws could begin soon, potentially leading to amendments in the upcoming session. For now, police continue to monitor events closely, balancing security with the right to assembly.
The developments highlight the challenges of managing international conflicts' domestic repercussions in a diverse society. With the threat level elevated and community fears mounting, the coming weeks will test the government's ability to address these issues without alienating key groups.