A Cabinet minister faced jeers and boos as he addressed a large rally against antisemitism in London on Sunday, where thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street to protest against rising antisemitism and urge the Government to enhance protections for British Jews.
Minister interrupted by hostile crowd
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden took the stage at the event, which saw protesters waving Israeli flags, Union flags, Iranian protest flags, and placards bearing messages such as “British Jews deserve better”, “where is Keir”, and “Brits against antisemitism”. As he began to speak, the crowd interrupted him with shouts of “shame”, “it’s your party’s fault”, “when will you act”, and “Jew harmer”. Despite the hostile reception, McFadden declared: “I come to speak for something, for freedom, for the freedom that marks us out as a great country.” When his voice was drowned out, he added: “Friends, I hear you, I am with you, I am here to fight antisemitism.”
Cross-party politicians address rally
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch received a warm welcome and drew loud applause as she spoke. She recalled the 2014 kidnapping of 300 schoolgirls in Nigeria by Islamic extremists and compared it to the October 7 attack on a music festival. “There are many, many different pockets of antisemitism in this country, but I am most worried about the growth of extremism and terror around the world and how it targets many groups in this country,” she said. “Britain has been a sanctuary for Jewish people, and it must always be a sanctuary for Jewish people.” Alongside other politicians, Badenoch called for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation.
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, echoed that demand, stating: “What we need is action. We need to ban and proscribe the IRGC, we are sick of them. Get them out of our country.” He also criticised universities, saying: “We need to take on the failure of leadership in our universities. Maybe we should say to the universities, if you allow this to carry on, forget any form of grants. Forget any form of student loans. Forget any form of research funding.”
Solidarity from Boy George and attendees
The rally followed an incident on April 29 where two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green. Singer Boy George, who had previously expressed distress over the stabbings, sent a video message of support. He said: “Not only for those amazing Jewish people, but also people who support their Jewish friends.” He added: “People like me keep being thanked for speaking up for Jewish people. I don’t want to be thanked for doing what is right.”
Simi, a 27-year-old attendee who lives near the stabbing location, came with friends to show that hatred is unwelcome. “Whatever hate that we have, love is so much greater and love will always win,” she said. “You felt that today, it was so much fun, there was a lot of singing and I was screaming my lungs out. It was great to see and feel real unity, particularly between Iranians and Jews, and it is just so beautiful to see them supporting us.” Another protester, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed disappointment with the government and policing, noting: “I don’t live in a predominantly Jewish area, so I don’t get the same protections as others do. There are signs outside my home calling for Zionists to be killed. The CPS should tie anti-Zionism and antisemitism together to better protect British Jews.”
Security and arrests
The event, organised by the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, attracted “over 20,000” attendees according to speakers. Strict security measures were in place, including airport-style checks with metal detectors and bag searches at the Trafalgar Square entrance to Whitehall. The Metropolitan Police reported three arrests as part of a “proactive policing plan”. A man in his 30s was arrested in Whitehall on suspicion of possessing a bladed article after search arches detected a Stanley knife. Two men in their 60s were arrested in Storey’s Gate on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons, namely batons. All remain in custody as inquiries continue.
The force recently announced a community protection team of 100 extra officers to safeguard the Jewish community, though Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley had previously called for 300 additional officers. He has warned of a growing “pandemic” of antisemitism and expressed concern about the sustainability of the current approach to protecting Jewish communities in London.
