UK Prime Minister Starmer Brands October 7 Pro-Palestinian University Protests Un-British Amid Heightened Security

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has strongly condemned planned pro-Palestinian protests on the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, describing them as "un-British" and warning they have been used as an excuse for rising antisemitism and attacks on British Jews. The October 7 attacks, which killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, are considered the worst assault on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Starmer emphasized the UK's commitment to stand united against hatred and protect Jewish communities amid heightened security following a recent deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch echoed concerns about protests turning into hate marches, while Starmer urged respect for others and condemned chants of hatred at such events. The anniversary is marked by increased tensions and protests at universities in cities including London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Bristol. Starmer's message highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing freedom of expression with combating antisemitism and maintaining community safety in the UK.