Sir Keir Starmer has condemned plans for pro-Palestine protests two years to the day since the October 7 attacks on Israel, labelling them “un-British”.
Writing in The Times, the prime minister said demonstrations set to take place at several universities today showed a lack of respect for others, claiming previous rallies had been used by some as a “despicable excuse to attack British Jews”.
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In a statement marking the second anniversary of the Hamas attack, when 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken hostage, Sir Keir said the UK’s Jewish communities had “endured rising antisemitism” since then – including last week’s attack on a synagogue in Manchester, in which two worshippers were killed.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, died in the attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday.
Adrian Daulby (left) and Melvin Cravitz. Pics: Family handout/Facebook
‘A stain on who we are’
Mr Daulby, a member of the congregation, was shot accidentally when police fired on attacker Jihad al Shamie.
The synagogue’s rabbi told Sky News it happened as Mr Daulby “was holding the doors to make sure everyone inside stayed safe”.
The family of Mr Cravitz – a worshipper at the synagogue who police originally stated was a security guard – said he would “do anything to help anyone”.
Sir Keir described the attack as “horrifying”, adding: “This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.”
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Synagogue security guard describes moment attack unfolded
Ministers had urged protesters to rethink attending a rally in support of the banned group Palestine Action over the weekend, given its proximity to the synagogue attack.
It went ahead, and nearly 500 people were arrested.
Police have since been given new powers to impose conditions upon repeat protests.
Pro-Palestine demonstrations in central London have attracted thousands of people. Pic: PA
‘A living nightmare’
Of October 7, the prime minister said it was “the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust”.
“The brutal, cold-blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes.
“And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today.
“Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare. When I spoke with some of the families of the British hostages, I promised them in person that we will not cease in our efforts to bring their loved ones home.”
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PM: ‘We must defeat antisemitism’
PM welcomes Trump’s peace efforts
In his statement, Sir Keir also spoke about the government’s priorities in the Middle East, which he said included releasing the hostages, getting more aid into Gaza, and a ceasefire “that can lead to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a two-state solution”.
The government last month recognised Palestine as a state to “revive the hope of peace”.
Read more: What recognising Palestine actually means
He said he welcomed US efforts to mediate a deal between Israel and Hamas. Officials from both sides wrapped up initial talks at an Egyptian resort on Monday, regarding the terms proposed by Donald Trump last week.
Mr Trump’s 20-point peace plan includes the disarmament of Hamas, which would have no role in Gaza’s future governance. The US president would lead an interim administration with the help of Sir Tony Blair, among others.
He has demanded Israel stop bombing Gaza, though airstrikes have continued.
Israel’s war on Hamas has now killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians or combatants.
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‘We’re going to have a Gaza deal’
Antisemitism ‘a terrible scourge’
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also criticised pro-Palestine protests in a statement marking the October 7 anniversary, claiming some “turn into hate marches on our streets”.
She said the government’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state “has rewarded the terrorists that perpetrated the October 7 atrocities”.
“Appeasement does not work,” she said, adding: “There are still 48 hostages held captive in Gaza. They must come home now.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described antisemitism as a “terrible scourge” and said: “We stand in solidarity with British Jews, the people of Israel and Jewish communities around the world against terrorism, and against antisemitism in all its forms.”
Of the peace talks, he added: “We desperately hope that they will finally see the hostages returned home to their families, a lasting bilateral ceasefire, Hamas out of power in Gaza for good – and set us on the path to a two-state solution that offers both Israelis and Palestinians the peace and security they deserve.”
