'Globalise the intifada’ chant banned at protests in London and Manchester

The decision follows the terrorist attack on a Chanukah event in Sydney on Sunday and the Heaton Park Synagogue attack in Manchester on Yom Kippur.

A joint statement from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, and the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Sir Stephen Watson, acknowledged that the Jewish community was “worried and scared,” and that increased anti-Jewish crime had impacted Jewish life.

“No community should have to live like this. That must change,” they said.

The high number of terrorist attacks disrupted in recent years, as well as the two recent attacks, meant that an “enhanced response” to antisemitism is required, Rowley and Watson said.

Acknowledging that “current laws are inadequate,” the police leaders referenced the fact that the Home Secretary has asked Lord Ken Macdonald KC to review current public order and hate crime legislation.

“The words and chants used, especially in protests, matter and have real-world consequences. We have consistently been advised by the CPS that many of the phrases causing fear in Jewish communities don't meet prosecution thresholds. Now, in the escalating threat context, we will recalibrate to be more assertive,” Rowley and Watson said.

“We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as ‘globalise the intifada’ and those using it at future protest or in a targeted way should expect the Met and GMP to take action. Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed - words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests.”

They said that frontline officers will be briefed on this “enhanced approach” to the phrase.

Powers under the Public Order Act, including conditions around London synagogues during services, will continue to be used.

“Visible patrols and protective security measures around synagogues, schools, and community venues have been stepped up in London and Greater Manchester. We are intensifying investigations into hate crime, and Counter Terrorism Policing continues to operate 24/7 to identify and disrupt threats.

“These measures are practical and immediate - designed to keep communities safe, deter intimidation, and enforce the law.”

Rowley and Watson added that they wanted to continue to protect the right to protest.

“All members of society have a responsibility to consider their impact on others - it is possible to protest in support of Palestine without intimidating Jewish communities or breaking the law,” their statement continued.

In a direct address to the Jewish community, the police leaders said: “We want you to hear this clearly: we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. Your safety and wellbeing matter to all of us. Please keep talking to us and to each other; report incidents promptly; and make use of our dedicated neighbourhood teams.

“Chanukah reminds us that light endures, even in the darkest times. We will continue to work night and day to keep you safe.”

Jewish community leaders have welcomed the new measures. A spokesperson for the Jewish Leadership Council said: "‘Globalise the intifada’ isn't a slogan, it is the rallying call for murderous terror against Jews.”

The JLC called on other forces in the UK to follow London and Manchester in banning the phrase.

“The statement that the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police will now take action against those sharing such rhetoric is therefore a step in the right direction. We call on other police forces to take a similar approach and call on the Crime Prosecution Service to back them to ensure offenders receive the full weight of the law.

“We know there are protests planned today where these phrases are likely to be used. There is no time like the present for these police forces to demonstrate that they will back these words up with action.”