UK
Pro-Palestine marches ‘could be banned’ under planned government crackdown
The home secretary is reportedly set to give police new powers to curb protests in the wake of the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue
October 5, 2025 08:46
The home secretary is reportedly set to give police new powers to curb protests in the wake of the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue
October 5, 2025 08:46Pro-Palestine marches could face being banned altogether under plans backed by the home secretary, according to a report in The Sun.
Shabana Mahmood, who criticised protest organisers for ploughing on in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack, is understood to be considering giving police new powers to curb the protests.
Police could reportedly be given the ability to block or move protests based on their “cumulative impact”, such as if several disruptive demonstrations take place in the same location in a short space of time.
They will also be able to factor in the strain placed on policing resources by previous marches when considering whether to place conditions on subsequent events.
The Sun’s political editor, Jack Elsom, added on X that “The home secretary will also look at changing the law to ban some protests outright”.
Such bans could reportedly be applied in the context of a terror threat or national security crisis.
A “full review of protest laws” is due to be undertaken by the Home Office, with changes to the Public Order Act 1986 expected to follow.
Mahmood told the paper: “The right to protest is a fundamental freedom in our country.
"However, this freedom must be balanced with the freedom of their neighbours to live their lives without fear.
“Large, repeated protests can leave sections of our country, particularly religious communities, feeling unsafe, intimidated and scared to leave their homes.
"This has been particularly evident in relation to the considerable fear within the Jewish community, which has been expressed to me on many occasions in these recent difficult days.
“These changes mark an important step in ensuring we protect the right to protest while ensuring all feel safe in this country."
Responding to the report, the Board of Deputies said: “We welcome the Government’s decision to move ahead on giving police new powers around ‘cumulative impact’ in response to the deeply irresponsible and offensive protests we have seen in recent days following the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation.
"We have been calling for this for many months, and it was one of our key asks in the meeting with the Prime Minister and Home Secretary on Friday. We will work with the Government to ensure that these and other measures are as effective as possible in protecting our community.”
It comes after nearly 500 people were arrested on Saturday during a protest organised by Defend Our Juries in support of Palestine Action, proscribed as a terror group in July.
The demonstration saw more than 1,000 people gather in London’s Trafalgar Square, with many holding signs reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”.
Police have arrested hundreds of activists for carrying similar signs since the proscription on suspicion of violating the provisions of the Terrorism Act that prohibit the displaying of any article (including signs) that might arouse reasonable suspicion that the holder is a “member or a supporter of a proscribed organisation”.
The Metropolitan Police had asked Defend Our Juries to postpone the protest as resources were stretched thin by the Manchester attack, but the group declined to do so, saying: “Don’t arrest us then.”
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.