Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden was jeered and booed as he addressed a rally against antisemitism in London on Sunday. Thousands gathered outside Downing Street to protest antisemitism and urge the Government to do more to protect British Jews.
Protesters waved Israeli, Union, and Iranian protest flags, holding signs with messages such as “British Jews deserve better”, “where is Keir”, and “Brits against antisemitism”. As Mr McFadden spoke, he was met with shouts of “shame”, “it’s your party’s fault”, and “Jew harmer”. He responded, “I hear you, I am with you, I am here to fight antisemitism.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch received huge applause, saying, “Britain has been a sanctuary for Jewish people, and it must always be a sanctuary for Jewish people.” She and other politicians called for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be banned as a terrorist organisation.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice also drew applause, stating, “We need to ban and proscribe the IRGC… The scourge of antisemitism has been allowed to flourish in our beloved country.” He urged action against universities permitting antisemitism, suggesting withdrawal of grants, student loans, and research funding.
The rally followed a stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green on April 29. Singer Boy George sent a video message of support, saying, “I don’t want to be thanked for doing what is right.” Attendee Simi, 27, who lives near the stabbings, said, “Whatever hate we have, love is so much greater… It was great to see real unity, particularly between Iranians and Jews.”
