Keir Starmer asks students not to join protests on 7 October

Keir Starmer urges students to refrain from joining pro-Palestinian protests on the anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attack, citing concerns over rising antisemitism in the UK.

On 7 October, the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, Sir Keir Starmer warned students against participating in protests, calling it 'un-British'.
Starmer emphasized the need to combat 'rising antisemitism on our streets', reflecting heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Prime Minister's statement comes amid increasing concerns over the safety of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom amid ongoing protests.
The call to abstain from protests indicates Starmer's attempt to position the Labour Party as a defender of Jewish rights and safety.
Starmer's remarks reflect the broader political climate in the UK, where issues related to Israel and Hamas significantly influence public sentiment and community relations.

Why It Matters

This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and its impact on community relations in the UK. Starmer's stance may resonate with Jewish communities feeling vulnerable amidst rising antisemitism. Moving forward, the reactions from students and the Labour Party's positioning on this sensitive issue will be crucial to monitor.