Prime minister urges students to halt pro‑Palestine protests

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly urged university students to desist from pro‑Palestine demonstrations, describing the anniversary of the October 7 attacks as a time to remember “heinous” violence rather than escalate protests. The appeal comes amid planned campus actions today.

Addressing the House of Commons earlier, Starmer expressed sympathy with freedom of expression but noted that protests must not breach public order or inflame tensions. He urged student leaders to reflect on the emotional significance of October 7 for Israeli victims.

The intervention follows announcements by student groups of protests today, marking the second anniversary of the Hamas assault in Israel. Some campuses had already drawn security planning and warnings from local authorities.

Opposition figures responded sharply. Some Conservative MPs accused Starmer of suppressing dissent and politicising tragedy. Student groups defended their right to protest, calling the prime minister’s remarks a “chilling message” to young activists.

The government faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining public order during polarised protests, protecting free expression, and managing diplomatic sensitivities related to the Israel‑Gaza conflict. The prime minister’s tone suggests the state will intervene if protests turn disorderly.

Local councils and police forces across multiple university towns have said they are monitoring discussions closely and stand ready to act under protest legislation if necessary. The outcome of today’s demonstrations may test the government’s capacity to balance security and civil liberties under heightened tensions.