Home Secretary Describes Pro-Palestine Demonstrations Following Manchester Incident as 'Against British Values'

The UK's security chief has stated that the move by pro-Palestinian groups to proceed with rallies calling for an halt to the war in Gaza following the recent fatal incident at a synagogue in Manchester was "fundamentally contrary to British principles".

Shabana Mahmood additionally remarked she would ask anyone considering attending similar protests to pause and reflect how they would feel if a close relative was taken on the most sacred day of their belief system.

As further information were revealed about the assailant, identified by law enforcement as Jihad al-Shamie, Mahmood indicated he was not on the radar of terror prevention officers and had not been referred to the government's Prevent initiative.

Local authorities stated that Adrian Daulby, 53 and Melvin Cravitz, 66 were killed after the perpetrator struck a gathering of persons outside a local synagogue before assaulting another man. Three people remained in treatment while more suspects arrested by law enforcement remained in detention.

Mahmood used a series of media interviews to declare that Britain had witnessed a "growing surge of anti-Jewish sentiment", stating that the authorities would "not stand for that" as she sought to reassure the Jewish community in the UK.

Safety protocols would be assessed, she confirmed.

When asked about what some commentators had characterized as a atmosphere of anxiety that British Jews have encountered, particularly since Hamas's 7 October attacks in 2023 and the beginning of the war in Gaza, she remarked there was "definitely great anxiety about events in the region but our main focus is making sure our people here at home are secure".

Discussing pro-Palestinian demonstrations that continued on Thursday, she commented, "It was deeply regrettable to see those gatherings going ahead last night. I think that action is essentially contrary to our principles. I think it is inappropriate. I would have preferred those people to just take a step back."

"The concerns that are inspiring those protests have been continuing for a period. They don't appear they are going to finish any time soon. They could have allowed a population that has experienced tragedy just a brief time to deal with what has occurred," stated the minister.

"To anybody who is planning going on a protest what I would suggest is consider that is you who has had a loved one taken on the most important religious day of your beliefs," she commented.

"We can return to your demonstration later. Just because you have the right to rally doesn't mean you have to use it," stated Mahmood.

"I would still call on people to show some love and some solidarity to the families of those who have been murdered and to our Jewish community."

She revealed that around 40 people had been detained at the recent gatherings including some on suspicion of attacking police.

The focus has now shifted to the capital, where coordinators of protests calling for a restriction on a specific group to be ended have stated they intend to proceed with a organized gathering on the coming days.