Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden faced jeers and boos as he addressed a rally against antisemitism in London on Sunday. Thousands of protesters gathered outside Downing Street to condemn antisemitism and urge the Government to enhance protections for British Jews.
Rally Highlights and Political Responses
Demonstrators waved Israeli flags, Union flags, and Iranian protest flags, alongside placards reading “British Jews deserve better,” “where is Keir,” and “Brits against antisemitism.” McFadden, speaking on stage, declared, “I come to speak for something, for freedom, for the freedom that marks us out as a great country.” However, his remarks were met with shouts of “shame,” “it’s your party’s fault,” “when will you act,” and “Jew harmer.”
Undeterred, McFadden responded, “Friends, I hear you, I am with you, I am here to fight antisemitism.” The rally featured speakers from across the political spectrum. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch received a rousing ovation, stating, “Many of you know that I was born in this country, but I grew up in Nigeria, and in 2014, I remember when 300 schoolgirls were stolen from their school by Islamic extremists, and only a few returned.” She drew parallels to the October 7 attacks, adding, “I saw that same terror, the murder and the massacre of young people at a music festival.” Badenoch expressed concern over “the growth of extremism and terror around the world” and affirmed, “Britain has been a sanctuary for Jewish people, and it must always be a sanctuary for Jewish people.”
Calls to Ban the IRGC
Badenoch, alongside other politicians, demanded the proscription of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice echoed this, saying, “What we need is action. We need to ban and proscribe the IRGC, we are sick of them. Get them out of our country.” Tice also criticised university leadership, suggesting that institutions permitting antisemitism should lose grants, student loans, and research funding.
Context and Attendee Perspectives
The rally followed the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green on April 29. Boy George, who had previously expressed distress over the attacks, sent a video message of support. He said, “Not only for those amazing Jewish people, but also people who support their Jewish friends… I don’t want to be thanked for doing what is right.” Attendee Simi, 27, who lives near the stabbing site, remarked, “Whatever hate that we have, love is so much greater and love will always win… It was great to see and feel real unity, particularly between Iranians and Jews.” Another anonymous Jewish protester voiced disappointment with government and policing, citing signs near her home calling for the killing of Zionists and urging the CPS to link anti-Zionism with antisemitism.
Security and Organisational Details
The event, organised by the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, drew over 20,000 attendees, according to speakers. Strict security measures included airport-style checks with metal detectors and bag searches at the Trafalgar Square entrance to Whitehall. The Metropolitan Police recently announced a community protection team of 100 extra officers to safeguard the Jewish community, despite Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley’s earlier request for 300 additional officers. Rowley has warned of a growing “pandemic” of antisemitism in the UK and expressed concerns about the sustainability of current protective measures for Jewish communities in the capital.
