UK Home Secretary urges cancellation of pro-Palestine protests after Manchester synagogue attack

Following a terror attack on a Manchester synagogue that killed two people, UK leaders including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have urged pro-Palestine protesters to cancel planned demonstrations out of respect for the grieving Jewish community. Starmer described the moment as one for mourning rather than stoking tensions, while Mahmood condemned protests that proceeded shortly after the attack as "un-British" and "insensitive." Police and government officials warned that continuing protests could escalate tensions and divert critical resources from community safety. Despite these calls, some groups like Defend Our Juries planned to proceed with protests in London, arguing that canceling peaceful demonstrations would be letting terror win. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick also urged marchers to "do the decent thing" and refrain from protests to avoid causing further distress. The situation has sparked a national debate over the balance between the right to protest and community solidarity in times of tragedy.