Starmer Slams October 7th Protests as "Un-British"

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned plans for student-led pro-Palestinian protests taking place today, on the second anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7th attack on Israel. Calling the timing “un-British,” Starmer warned that such demonstrations risk fuelling rising antisemitism across the UK.

Writing in The Times, the prime minister said, “On the anniversary of the atrocities of October 7, students are once again planning protests. This is not who we are as a country. It’s un-British to have so little respect for others. And that’s before some of them decide to start chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again.”

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack left 1,200 dead and 251 people kidnapped. Starmer called it “the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.” Since then, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed over 67,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The protests, largely organised by university groups across London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow, come just days after a deadly terror attack at a Manchester synagogue, which killed two worshippers. “This is a stain on who we are,” Starmer said, adding that “the country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.”

Today’s protests have sparked criticism across the political spectrum. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson asked protesters to consider whether they really needed to demonstrate “today of all days,” while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said frequent mass protests were causing “considerable fear” within Jewish communities. The government plans to give police greater powers to restrict or even ban repeat demonstrations. Conservative MP Robert Jenrick went further, calling the protests “a fucking disgrace” during a conference event, while his party leader Kemi Badenoch warned against what she called “hate marches on our streets.”

The Union of Jewish Students also voiced concern, stating: “No Jewish student should have to stand by as others glorify a day that marks such loss for our community.”

Despite the backlash, demonstrations are going ahead at campuses including UCL, LSE, King’s College London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and more. Some university groups involved in today’s protests said they will not be intimidated. A post by UCL Action For Palestine said they “will not be silenced or intimidated” and stood in solidarity with Palestinians “killed before and prior to October 2023.” Thousands also gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square on Sunday to mark the anniversary and show support for Jewish communities.

The UK government recognised Palestinian statehood last month, in a move aimed at reviving peace hopes. Starmer said the government’s priorities in the Middle East include releasing hostages still held in Gaza, securing more aid access, and working toward a ceasefire that leads to “a lasting and just peace.”

Still, tensions at home remain high.

“There are 364 other days in the year where you can protest,” Phillipson said. “But two years on from October 7, I would just ask people to reflect and think about our shared humanity — and particularly Jewish people in our country — who today will be feeling a deep sense of mourning and loss.”