UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged university students not to join nationwide pro-Palestinian demonstrations scheduled for 7 October, describing the timing as “un-British” and “disrespectful.” The anniversary of the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel has once again become a flashpoint in British politics, with thousands planning to protest the ongoing war in Gaza. Starmer’s comments have ignited fierce backlash from students, academics, and rights groups, who accuse his government of equating solidarity with Palestinians to extremism and suppressing legitimate political expression.

Government’s Call for “Respect and Restraint”

Starmer wrote that protests on 7 October “dishonour the memory of those murdered” and warned that “some are using this date to spread hate.” His statement came amid heightened security following a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue. Government officials echoed his stance, urging students to reconsider joining protests. Ministers warned demonstrations could “inflame tensions” and signaled new powers for police to restrict repeat protests. Universities were told to “promote dialogue over disruption,” while police in London, Manchester, and Glasgow were placed on alert for possible clashes.

Students Defy Government Appeal

Despite official warnings, university coalitions confirmed marches would proceed in major cities including London, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Bristol. Organizers said the protests would commemorate two years since Israel’s offensive on Gaza began, demanding an end to arms sales and political complicity.
Student leaders accused the government of “moral hypocrisy,” noting that the UK continues to supply weapons to Israel while invoking peace rhetoric. One student organizer said: “We protest because silence means complicity in genocide.”

Free Speech and Civil Liberties Concerns

Civil society groups warned that government rhetoric risks conflating anti-war activism with antisemitism. Legal experts and academics criticized the use of counterterror laws, saying it endangers academic freedom and civic engagement. Universities faced pressure to balance campus safety with freedom of assembly. Human rights organizations emphasized that peaceful protest “cannot be branded hate,” noting that dissent against Israel’s actions in Gaza is protected under international norms of free expression.

Rising Tensions Across the UK

The controversy follows nearly 500 arrests at recent London demonstrations, where police used public order powers to disperse pro-Palestinian gatherings. The Manchester synagogue attack has deepened divisions, as Jewish and Muslim leaders urged unity and restraint. Meanwhile, Gaza faces relentless bombardment two years into the conflict, with over 67,000 reported dead and widespread destruction of hospitals and schools. Protesters said the UK’s recent recognition of Palestinian statehood was “symbolic but hollow” without concrete policy action.