The heads of the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police have announced a significant policy shift, stating that protesters who chant slogans like 'globalise the intifada' will now face arrest. The move is a direct response to a rise in antisemitism and recent terror attacks targeting Jewish communities.
Context Changed After Terror Attacks
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson stated that the 'context has changed' following two major incidents. These were the terror attack at a Jewish festival in Sydney's Bondi Beach and the rampage at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester earlier this year. The senior officers emphasised that these events have altered the landscape for protest policing in the UK.
In a joint statement, they declared: '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.' They added, 'Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed - words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests.'
New Policing Powers and Protective Measures
The police chiefs outlined a series of immediate and practical steps to enforce the new approach. Frontline officers in both forces will be briefed on the updated guidance, empowering them to identify and act against targeted intimidation.
Key measures now in place include:
- Using powers under the Public Order Act to impose conditions, particularly around London synagogues during services.
- Intensifying visible patrols and protective security around synagogues, schools, and Jewish community venues in London and Greater Manchester.
- Stepping up investigations into hate crimes.
- Maintaining 24/7 operations by Counter Terrorism Policing to identify and disrupt threats.
Balancing Protest Rights with Community Safety
The statement made clear that the intent is to 'create a hostile environment for offenders and a safer environment for Jewish communities, while protecting lawful protest.' The officers stressed that it is possible to protest in support of Palestinian people without intimidating Jewish communities or breaking the law.
They concluded by reminding all members of society of their responsibility to consider the impact of their words and actions on others. The new policy marks a firm stance against hate crime and antisemitic intimidation, signalling a zero-tolerance approach from two of the UK's largest police forces.
