Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned pro-Palestinian protests planned across the United Kingdom to mark the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, labelling the demonstrations as “un-British” and disrespectful. The remarks, made in an opinion piece for The Times, came as students from several London universities and other institutions were set to participate in marches and rallies on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
Starmer’s Stern Warning on Anniversary Protests
Sir Keir Starmer urged students and activists to forgo the planned protests, stating that such demonstrations showed “so little respect for others” and were emblematic of a “total loss of empathy and humanity”. He alleged that in some instances, pro-Palestinian protests have been exploited as a “despicable excuse to attack British Jews for something over which they have absolutely no responsibility”. The Prime Minister highlighted the rise of antisemitism in the UK since the October 7th atrocities, pointing to the recent deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester as a stark reminder of the heightened tensions. “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,” Starmer stated. He emphasized that the UK’s identity is not one that disrespects others, particularly during a period of mourning for those affected by the Hamas attacks.
Students Defy Calls, Proceed with Demonstrations
Despite Starmer’s admonitions, student groups and protest organizers indicated their intention to proceed with the planned events. Rallies and marches were organized at numerous universities, including prominent institutions in London such as King’s College London, the London School of Economics, University College London, SOAS, and Roehampton University. These demonstrations were scheduled to coincide with the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages in Israel.
Participants voiced their determination, with some arguing that Starmer’s condemnation was unjust and that protesting was a critical matter to speak upon. Protest groups, such as UCL Action For Palestine, stated they would not be “silenced or intimidated” and stood in solidarity with Palestinians. Organizers argued that their protests were aimed at highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocating for Palestinian rights, and that they were not inherently antisemitic. Some protesters countered that criticizing the actions of the Israeli state should not be conflated with antisemitism, and that the focus should remain on the ongoing conflict and Palestinian suffering.
Broader Context and Political Fallout
The events of October 7, 2023, triggered a significant Israeli military response in Gaza, with Palestinian health authorities reporting tens of thousands of casualties. The anniversary comes amid heightened tensions, particularly following the recent terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, which claimed two lives. This attack led to increased security measures for Jewish communities across the UK and prompted discussions about granting police new powers to restrict protests with a cumulative negative impact.
University leaders had previously cautioned students, reminding them of the legal implications of supporting terrorist organizations. Other political figures, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, also criticized the planned protests, with some labeling them as “carnivals of hate”. Amidst this charged atmosphere, the Prime Minister’s strong stance reflects the deep divisions and sensitivities surrounding the conflict and its commemoration in the UK. The news coverage featured intense debate, highlighting the ongoing challenge for authorities to balance freedom of expression with concerns over public order and the prevention of hate speech. The featured protests in London and elsewhere underscore the persistent public engagement with the Middle East conflict, even two years after the initial devastating attacks.
Ongoing Debate and Future Implications
The clash between Starmer’s condemnation and the protesters’ resolve illustrates the complex political and social landscape in the UK concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. As these demonstrations proceed, they continue to fuel a broader national conversation about protest rights, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and the UK’s role and perception on the global stage. The government’s approach to managing these demonstrations and addressing the underlying tensions will remain a significant focus of news and public discourse.
