politics
UK Police Declare Stabbing of Two Jewish Men in Golders Green a Terror Incident
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the chant 'globalise the intifada' as racist and called for prosecutions after a stabbing attack on two Jewish men in London. Green Party leader Zack Polanski opposed banning the phrase, citing freedom of speech concerns. Officials are reviewing protest laws amid debates over antisemitism and civil liberties.
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British police declared a stabbing attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London, a terror incident. The attack took place on Wednesday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded by stating that the chant "globalise the intifada" is racist, leaves Jewish people feeling scared and intimidated, and that people who use the phrase should be prosecuted.
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" He referenced people marching with paraglider images as venerating murder. The prime minister said he wanted to protect freedom of speech while considering further measures against antisemitism. According to Al-Monitor, Starmer indicated there could be new powers to ban pro-Palestinian marches.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski discouraged use of the chant but warned against outlawing it. " Polanski argued that policing language would not enhance safety for Jewish people. He also apologised for sharing a social media post criticising police handling of a suspect's arrest after the stabbing, in which footage appeared to show officers kicking the man near his head.
Polanski rejected calls to curb pro-Palestine marches in response to a wave of antisemitic incidents, stating that the marches do not make Jews actively unsafe. The government's terrorism adviser, Jonathan Hall KC, suggested a moratorium on pro-Palestinian marches, citing risks of incubating antisemitism.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for stopping all pro-Gaza marches, saying they normalise hatred toward Jews. She distinguished them from a planned march by far-right activist Tommy Robinson on 16 May.
A pro-Gaza protest is scheduled for 16 May in London to mark Nakba Day. Police have powers to restrict but not outright ban protests. Transport secretary noted that decisions on banning specific protests are operational matters for police. A review of protest laws led by former director of public prosecutions Ken Macdonald is examining the issue, including potential restrictions on the chant.
