Keir Starmer is expected to direct the home secretary to review additional measures to limit demonstrations, including possible steps to address inflammatory slogans at pro-Palestinian rallies.
Speaking to journalists during a trip to Mumbai, the prime minister stated that Labour aims to go beyond the initial proposals outlined by Shabana Mahmood, which focused on assessing the ongoing effects of repeated demonstrations in specific areas.
Civil liberties organizations have criticized the plans, arguing they could undermine the right to protest. However, following an attack on a Manchester synagogue, Starmer faces calls for stronger action, particularly concerning chants that may incite violence, such as calls for a global uprising.
Recently, Mahmood explained that the proposed regulations would let law enforcement evaluate the overall consequences of protests when determining their legality. Demonstrations could be redirected or prohibited if deemed overly disruptive.
Starmer, however, emphasized the need for further measures, especially to counter antisemitic behavior by a small portion of participants in pro-Gaza marches.
“I’ve instructed the home secretary to examine existing powers, their application, and whether adjustments are necessary,” he said. “Some of the chants at these protests require stronger measures.”
Starmer also indicated that police could take additional independent action. “This will be part of our assessment—reviewing current powers, how they’re used, and whether they need modification. We’re engaging extensively with Jewish community leaders on the matter,” he added.
The review will include all existing public order regulations. “A broader evaluation of public order powers is needed, and decisions will follow in time,” he stated.
Starmer and Mahmood had urged organizers to cancel demonstrations scheduled for the evening of the synagogue attack—as well as those tied to 7 October, the anniversary of the Hamas assault on Israel that killed over 1,000 people. Mahmood described proceeding with another pro-Palestine rally as “contrary to British values” and “unjustifiable.”
Tensions persist with lawmakers following widespread arrests of Palestine Action supporters, often for carrying signs. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy faced jeers while speaking at a Manchester vigil after the attack by a suspected extremist, which resulted in the deaths of two Jewish worshippers.
Read next
Over 1 million people gather in Madrid for outdoor mass with Pope Leo
Over one million people gathered in Madrid for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo. During the service, the American pontiff highlighted the contradiction between Christian principles and far-right ideology, stating, “No one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.”
Crowds began forming hours before dawn on Sunday
Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang to strengthen China-North Korea relations
Xi Jinping has begun a two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as he seeks to strengthen relations with the ally.
Footage from the Xinhua state news agency showed the Chinese leader and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arriving at Sunan international
Denmark's mullet championship celebrates the 'beautifully ugly' and divisive hairstyle
Copenhagen recently hosted the 2026 Mullet Championship, where more than 1,000 spectators gathered on an outdoor stage to celebrate the enduring hairstyle characterized by short hair in the front and length in the back.
Twelve participants competed in the event, which was organized by 37-year-old electrician Steffen Stiw Weber.