Hundreds of demonstrators supporting the Palestinian cause, many of whom were students from various universities, gathered in multiple cities across the U.K. on Tuesday, defying Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call to cancel the marches, labeling them as “un-British” due to coinciding with the second anniversary of Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
At King’s College London, Palestinian flags flew high as organizers led the crowd in chants demanding a free Palestine and condemning Israel as a terrorist state. A small group of police officers observed the demonstration, with students joining in during a break from their classes.
Vincent Ge, a second-year computer science student, voiced support for the protesters, stating that everyone has the right to protest for their beliefs and criticizing Starmer’s characterization of the demonstrations as “un-British.” Ge highlighted the multicultural foundation of the country, emphasizing the importance of respecting diverse perspectives.
Pro-Palestinian rallies in central London typically draw thousands of participants, reflecting a broad range of attendees protesting against Israel’s actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and destruction in the region. The recent terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester has intensified the political tensions surrounding the protests.
Following the synagogue attack, concerns about rising antisemitism have escalated, with reports of over 1,500 antisemitic incidents recorded in the first half of 2025 by the British Charity, Community Service Trust. The government has faced criticism for its response to antisemitism and has pledged to enhance security measures at synagogues to protect the Jewish community.
In response to ongoing protests, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged demonstrators to show restraint and allow space for the Jewish community to mourn. Despite calls to cancel a planned march in London, the rally proceeded, leading to nearly 500 arrests of individuals supporting Palestine Action, a group previously banned for alleged terrorist activities.
Starmer condemned the protests scheduled for October 7, describing them as contrary to British values and lacking respect for others. The demonstrations have sparked debates about freedom of expression and the government’s handling of public dissent.
Across the U.K., several rallies and vigils were organized, including an event at Glasgow University by the Justice for Palestine Society. Calls for stronger government action against individuals promoting violence and advocating for Israel’s destruction have intensified amidst the ongoing unrest.
Participants at the London event expressed varied viewpoints, with some demonstrators choosing not to engage with media outlets. Marc Etkind, the son of a Holocaust survivor, attended the protest to speak out against the situation in Gaza and challenge the government’s stance on discouraging public demonstrations.
Amidst the evolving public discourse, experts like Colin Davis, a psychology professor, have criticized the government’s rhetoric labeling protests as un-British, emphasizing the historical significance and legitimacy of dissent in the country. The government’s attempts to shape the narrative amid shifting public opinions have sparked discussions about the role of protests in British society.
A recent survey by YouGov revealed a significant portion of Britons expressing little sympathy for Israel, reflecting a growing sentiment of discontent with the handling of the conflict in Gaza.