Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed concern over the growing protests against the Israel-Hamas war, warning that Britain is descending into “mob rule.” Sunak made these remarks during a meeting with police leaders, where he highlighted the increasingly violent and intimidatory behavior exhibited during these protests. However, human rights group Amnesty International criticized Sunak’s comments, stating that they exaggerate the issue and risk delegitimizing the rights of peaceful protest.
These mass protests, which have been taking place almost weekly in central London, aim to call for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, while Israel claims that 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, have lost their lives. Despite the large turnout at these protests, they have largely remained peaceful. Nevertheless, there have been numerous arrests made due to signs and chants allegedly supporting Hamas, an organization banned in Britain.
The protests have created a divisive atmosphere in British politics, with lawmakers expressing concerns for their safety after receiving threats related to their positions on the war. Reports of both antisemitic and anti-Muslim abuse have surged in Britain since Hamas’ attack on Israel. The House of Commons even witnessed chaos during a debate on whether to call for a cease-fire, with allegations of the speaker bending parliamentary rules under pressure from pro-Palestinian activists. During this debate, protesters projected a slogan onto Parliament’s Big Ben clocktower that some interpret as calling for the destruction of Israel.
In response to these escalating tensions, Sunak has suspended Conservative lawmaker Lee Anderson from the party for making derogatory comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have also targeted the homes of politicians, while environmental activists have focused on Sunak’s family home. To address these security concerns, Sunak announced a £31 million ($40 million) fund to enhance security for lawmakers who have reported threats and intimidation related to the war.
Sunak emphasized the need for a robust approach by police to protect democratic processes from intimidation, disruption, and subversion. However, these comments come after years of increasingly stringent restrictions on peaceful protests by the Conservative government. Laws have been passed to clamp down on public nuisance, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and to grant police more powers to restrict disruptive protests. Amnesty International’s law and human rights director, Tom Southerden, criticized these measures, stating that they criminalize peaceful protest tactics and grant sweeping powers to the police.
The article concludes by highlighting the impact of the Gaza war on the special election campaign in Rochdale, northwest England. The Labour Party disowned its candidate, Azhar Ali, for suggesting that Israel allowed Hamas’ attack as a pretext to invade Gaza. The chaotic campaign also features candidates such as George Galloway, a former Labour lawmaker campaigning against Labour’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war, and Simon Danczuk, a former Labour legislator representing the right-wing Reform U.K.
In summary, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s warning about “mob rule” amid protests against the Israel-Hamas war has sparked controversy. While the protests have largely been peaceful, they have created divisions in British politics and led to concerns for lawmakers’ safety. The government has announced measures to enhance security for politicians, but critics argue that these measures restrict peaceful protest rights. The impact of the Gaza war is also evident in the ongoing special election campaign in Rochdale.