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

Following a terror attack at a Manchester synagogue that killed two people, British political leaders including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have urged pro-Palestinian protesters to cancel planned demonstrations out of respect for the Jewish community's mourning. Starmer emphasized that this is a moment of grief, not tension, and warned protests just before the anniversary of the October 7 attacks would cause distress. Jenrick called for marchers to "do the decent thing" and avoid causing further pain, noting previous protests included chants that led to violence and arrests. Mahmood condemned the protests as "un-British," "dishonourable," and "insensitive," criticizing those who went ahead with rallies shortly after the attack and warning that continued demonstrations risk stirring further tensions and anti-Semitism. Despite police and government appeals, groups like Defend Our Juries plan to proceed with protests, prompting concerns from law enforcement about the diversion of resources and public safety. The situation highlights the deep sensitivities around protest rights, community grief, and the ongoing conflict's impact in the UK.