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Some protests may need to stop, PM suggests, after calls for pause on pro-Palestinian marches
The prime minister suggested there may be a case to ban some protests, citing the cumulative impact of repeated pro-Palestinian marches on the Jewish community. This follows a stabbing in Golders Green and a charged suspect, amid calls for a moratorium on protests and a government review of public order laws.
Why It Matters
The event touches on public order, national security, and how to balance freedom of assembly with safeguarding minority communities in the UK.
Timeline
12 Events
Conservatives and Reform UK call for tougher approach
May 2, 2026
Conservative and Reform UK called for the government to take a tougher approach to demonstrations.
Your Party warns against restricting civil liberties
May 2, 2026
Jeremy Corbyn's Your Party warned that responses to attacks should not restrict civil liberties.
Green Party leader comments on PM's stance
May 2, 2026
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said the prime minister was using the pain and fear of Jewish people to threaten further authoritarian restrictions on peaceful protest.
Stop the War Coalition responds to moratorium calls
May 2, 2026
Stop the War Coalition criticised Jonathan Hall's moratorium call, saying it condemns antisemitism but that linking the marches to attacks on Jews is wrong.
PM discusses protests and 'cumulative effects'
May 2, 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there may be a case to ban some protests and emphasised defending the right to protest, noting concerns about the 'cumulative' effect of repeated pro-Palestinian marches on the Jewish community and that the government will look at further powers.
PM heckled during visit to Golders Green
April 30, 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer was heckled during a visit to Golders Green by protesters chanting 'Keir Starmer, Jew Harmer'.
Essa Suleiman charged with attempted murder
April 30, 2026
Essa Suleiman, 45, appeared in court charged with attempted murder over the Golders Green attack. The attack was also designated a terror incident by police.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis calls for temporary ban on marches
April 29, 2026
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called for a temporary ban on the pro-Palestinian marches after the Golders Green attack.
Golders Green stabbing and terror designation
April 29, 2026
Two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London. Police declared the attack a terror incident.
Hall calls for moratorium on pro-Palestinian marches
April 28, 2026
Jonathan Hall, the government's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, called for a moratorium on pro-Palestinian marches, saying it was 'clearly impossible at the moment' for the protests to avoid antisemitic or demonising language.
Al Quds Day march ban approved in London
April 2026
In April 2026, the government approved a Metropolitan Police request to ban the Al Quds Day march in London, marking the first protest march banned since 2012.
December 2025 – police adapt approach to 'intifada' slogan
December 2025
In December 2025, the Met and Greater Manchester Police said they would adapt their approach to the slogan 'globalise the intifada' and arrest those using it in chants or on placards, in response to the attack on a Jewish festival on Australia's Bondi Beach.