Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader, has defended pro-Palestinian marches in London, insisting they do not make British Jews feel more 'unsafe'. He dismissed accusations that the demonstrations are hotbeds of anti-Semitism as a 'distortion'.
Context of the Defence
Appearing on television in the wake of the Golders Green terror attack, where three people were assaulted, Polanski asserted the right to protest against the bloodshed in Gaza. His remarks come after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticised chants of 'globalise the intifada' and expressed concerns over a growing threat to British Jews.
Starmer's Stance
Starmer suggested he wanted 'tougher action' against individuals using certain phrases at Gaza demonstrations, but stopped short of supporting a ban on the marches. Polanski, however, told the BBC that 'globalise the intifada' is not a racist chant, though he would not use it himself.
Police Action Criticised
Polanski also refused to accept that police used 'proportionate' action when arresting a suspect at the scene in Golders Green, having previously criticised their heavy-handedness. The Green Party leader reiterated that accusations of anti-Semitism within the marches are a distortion of their purpose.
