Starmer pushes protest limits and EU ties amid rising antisemitism

Starmer spoke after attacks on two Jewish men in Golders Green and amid a spring of international tension, including the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict. He said his vision of a decent, tolerant, diverse Britain is being challenged more than at any point in his lifetime. The remarks came as the government prepares for two rival marches in central London on 16 May: a pro‑Palestinian rally and an “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration led by far‑right activist Tommy Robinson.

Starmer said, “I want to live in a Britain that I love, which is a decent, tolerant, live and let live, diverse Britain. But that is contested now in a way that it hasn’t been contested in my lifetime.” The government and police are preparing to handle the two protests scheduled for Saturday 16 May in central London. Lord Macdonald’s independent review of public order and hate crime legislation in England and Wales is expected to be published in the coming weeks.

The prime minister’s call for tighter protest limits seeks to balance free expression with protecting communities from hate‑filled rhetoric, especially the phrase “globalise the intifada” which he labels offensive. His push for closer EU ties focuses on defence, security, energy and the economy, though he rules out rejoining the single market or customs union. Internal party criticism, including from figures such as Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, highlights doubts about his leadership amid speculation over his future. The forthcoming Macdonald report could shape new legal tools for managing demonstrations and hate crime.