British PM Urges Pro-Palestine Activists to Acknowledge the Grief of British Jews’

The prime minister has urged protesters to “respect the mourning of British Jews this week” in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack.

Before a scheduled demonstration against the prohibition on the activist group, the UK leader wrote that protesters should understand this is a time of mourning.

“Peaceful protest is a fundamental element of our governance – and there is justified concern about the hardship in Gaza – but a small group have used these demonstrations as a excuse for inciting prejudiced narratives,” he stated.

“I appeal to anyone thinking about demonstrating this weekend to acknowledge and value the sorrow of Jewish Britons this week. This is a moment of sorrow. It is not a time to increase friction and cause additional distress.”

Protest Organizers Respond to Calls for Postponement

Nevertheless, those protesting against the ban on Palestine Action have declared cancelling Saturday’s event would “enable extremists to succeed”, following pressure from law enforcement and the authorities to postpone it after the attack in Manchester.

The interior minister, Shabana Mahmood, joined the calls on Friday to calls to delay the event, after authorities said they needed to be able to focus their resources on safeguarding Jewish and Muslim communities.

Police Commissioner Raises Issues

The Metropolitan police commissioner, Mark Rowley, said that ongoing demonstrations after the incident “could possibly create additional friction and some might say demonstrates poor judgment”.

The leaders, the protest group, said in a declaration on Friday that supporters, including many Jewish people, desired the demonstration to continue.

They projected numerous attendees, including religious leaders, vicars, retirees and additional participants, to be involved in the event, which would involve them peacefully sitting holding cardboard signs saying “I reject mass killing. I support Palestine Action”.

Legal Action Numbers

Over 1,600 people have been taken into custody at a series of protests in London and elsewhere since the ban of Palestine Action came into effect.

“We stand with everyone who has experienced tragedy in the awful assault on the Jewish worship place and we show support with the Jewish people across the UK,” Defend Our Juries said in a statement.

It added: “Numerous Jewish backers of Defend Our Juries have advised that delaying tomorrow’s protest would potentially confusing the policies of the Middle Eastern nation with Jewish individuals around the world.”

Protection Matters

The organization restated its criticism of the incident and encouraged the law enforcement “to prioritise protecting the community, instead of arresting totally calm protesters”.

“Calling off peaceful protests enables terrorism to succeed. It’s particularly vital to safeguard our democracy, including our essential liberties to non-violent demonstration and liberty of opinion.”

Security Personnel

Rowley stated Defend Our Juries of “diverting important personnel from the communities of London at a time when they are particularly essential”.

“Individuals have been discussing for the recent period whether Middle East-related rallies are simply a call for peace, or have an implicit intention to provoke religious prejudice,” said Rowley.

Rowley said the Metropolitan Police would summon support from law enforcement agencies across the UK to ensure it could apprehend all those committing offenses in favor of the organization, while the law enforcement also offered protection to communities.

Additional resources will be deployed in the proximity of Muslim religious sites and in neighborhoods with larger Muslim populations.

Governmental Authority

Rowley further stated: “Certain individuals might wonder why we do not ban the demonstration, but there is no legal basis in legislation for us to do so.”

Nevertheless, the administration-selected expert reviewer of terrorism legislation has stated to media outlets that authorities should be given greater power to request prohibitions on protest processions in the short period following of a security breach.

Jonathan Hall KC said the power should only be used to preserve security personnel.

“If there is an urgent case where law enforcement need capacity to address the aftermath of a extremist event, I am surprised there is no power to forbid a march or gathering in these specific circumstances,” the expert said.

Government Position

Metropolitan authorities has expressed that having to monitor ongoing demonstrations since the recent Middle East regional conflict had caused major challenges.

Commenting on Palestinian support demonstrations that went ahead on Thursday, the official said in an interview: “I was quite dismayed to see those rallies proceeding last night. I think that conduct is contrary to British principles. I think it is dishonourable. I would have wanted those individuals to just reconsider.”