A Home Office minister has stated that pro-Palestinian marches in British cities have been "hijacked" by individuals intent on sowing division, as the government faces renewed scrutiny over its handling of the demonstrations.
Alex Davies-Jones acknowledged that antisemitic activity has occurred during the marches, but emphasized that protest remains a "fundamental right." She stressed that not all participants are antisemitic and called the actions of those who are "wrong."
The comments come after Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis urged a temporary ban on the marches, following a stabbing attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green. The incident, declared a terror event by police, has reignited debate about protecting British Jews.
Jonathan Hall KC, the government's reviewer of terrorism legislation, has called for a "moratorium" on pro-Palestinian marches, arguing it is "clearly impossible at the moment" for them not to "incubate" antisemitism. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today program, Sir Ephraim said he would "love to see it implemented ASAP, before the next demonstrations."
He added that the marches have contributed to a "tone of Jew hatred within our country" and that "the normalisation of antisemitism" has not been taken seriously enough.
However, the Stop the War Coalition, which has helped organize previous marches, criticized Hall's suggestion. The group said it condemns "all forms of antisemitism and racism," but it is "wrong" to link the marches to attacks on Jews.
Police in England and Wales can restrict protests, including by setting routes or end times, and can apply to ban them if deemed necessary to prevent "serious public disorder," subject to home secretary approval. Last month, the government approved a Met Police request to ban the Al Quds Day march—the first such ban since 2012.
Davies-Jones told Times Radio that the ban showed the government's willingness to act when required, but stressed balancing restrictions with the right to protest. She cited evidence of antisemitic activity on pro-Palestinian marches, including "chants of death, calls for global intifada."
Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley said on Friday that his force would "go as far as we absolutely can" within current law to maximize safety in London, and is reviewing possible restrictions for upcoming protests.
The Stop the War Coalition is planning its annual Nakba Day march on 16 May, while far-right activist Tommy Robinson has called a "Unite the Kingdom" rally on the same day.
A government-commissioned review of public order and hate crime legislation, expected in February, has not yet been published. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday that ministers are considering "further measures we can take on protests" and called for police to prosecute those chanting "globalise the intifada," a phrase Jewish groups describe as a call for violence.