Starmer’s Call to Ban Some Pro‑Palestine Marches Sparks Free‑Speech Outcry After London Stabbings

TL;DR: Labour leader Keir Starmer says he would back banning some pro‑Palestine marches, a stance that civil‑rights groups say endangers free speech, coming days after two Jewish men were stabbed in north London.

The debate erupted after Starmer told BBC Radio 4’s *Today* programme that “there are instances” where he would support stopping certain demonstrations opposing Israel’s actions. He added that chants such as “globalise the intifada” – a phrase some view as a call to violence – should face “tougher action”.

John Rees, co‑founder of the Stop the War coalition, called the proposal a “threat” to the core of free assembly and free speech in the UK. Rees emphasized that only a tiny fraction of marchers use extremist slogans and that stewards usually secure compliance when asked to drop them.

The controversy follows a spate of attacks on the British Jewish community, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green on Wednesday. Both victims have now been discharged from hospital.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has already urged a blanket ban on pro‑Palestine marches, arguing they serve as a cover for violence against Jews. In contrast, Rees insisted the marches pose no threat to the Jewish community, noting that thousands of Jewish attendees protest government and Israeli policies.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley rejected a temporary ban, saying it is impractical, but called for clearer protest laws. He highlighted that organizers often propose routes passing synagogues, which police have repeatedly altered, arguing the intent can send an antisemitic signal.

Starmer stressed his remarks are not a reaction to a single incident but part of an ongoing dialogue with police about the “cumulative effect” of repeated marches on the Jewish community. He suggested protesters reflect on the impact of their actions.

Critics warn that linking protests to isolated attacks creates a false causal narrative. Rees argued that conflating the two undermines legitimate dissent and fuels division.

What to watch next: the government’s response to Starmer’s proposal and whether Parliament will move to tighten protest regulations ahead of upcoming demonstrations.