Students have gathered to attend pro-Palestine protests on university campuses across the UK on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel.
Hundreds of London students are among those demonstrating against “the beginning of genocide in Gaza”, with students unfurling a banner with the names of killed Palestinians outside King’s College London near the Strand. A pro-Palestine group, Intifada 87, are currently marching towards Downing Street, Metropolitan Police said, announcing a Public Order Act.
Participants chanted “Palestine will live forever” and “Palestine will be free” as the Inter-University March departed from King’s College London and towards London School of Economics, University College London and the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Around 100 people joined a demonstration outside at the students’ union building at Sheffield University, shouting chants including: “Occupation is a crime, get your hands off Palestine.”
Hundreds also gathered at Edinburgh University, where they criticised calls from Sir Keir Starmer and the university management not to take part in the protest.
Politicians and some Jewish leaders - including the prime minister - have expressed concerns over the timing of the protests, which are taking place two years after Hamas murdered 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 people.
Key Points
- Protests begin at UK universities
- Starmer urges students to halt pro-Palestine protests
- Students say they are protesting 'genocide and forced starvation'
- Where are protests due to take place?
- 7 October anniversary just days after Manchester terror attack
Recap: Son of Holocaust survivor says Government has 'slandered' students protesting war
20:15 , Bryony GoochThe son of a Holocaust survivor said the Government has “slandered” students protesting against the war in Gaza on the anniversary of the October 7 attack.
Mark Etkind, who is in his early 60s and joined a protest marching between several London universities on Tuesday, said: “Students today have been protesting against the Gaza genocide, two years since October 7th – the appalling massacre, and in the media and, in fact, the Government itself Starmer has slandered these students, saying they’re somehow being insensitive to the suffering of October 7th, or indeed to …
“The terrible crime in Manchester that happened last week, while ignoring the obvious fact that their priority is to oppose the genocide now, to oppose the ongoing conflict which Britain unfortunately is complicit in because we are still sending weapons to Israel.”
Mr Etkind, from Watford, added: “The priority for me, as the son of a Holocaust survivor, is not just to mourn people who’ve already died, no matter how important that is – it’s stop the killing now.
“As we speak today, weapons made in Britain are contributing to the deaths of children and others in Gaza – that has to stop now in order to save those lives, so these brave student protesters have to keep demonstrating until that genocide stops.
“If Starmer had any concern about civilian lives at all, he would stop his own complicity in genocide.“
Mr Etkind attended the protest wearing signs reading “this son of a Holocaust survivor says: stop the genocide in Gaza” and “stop arresting Jews for criticising Israel”.
Watch: Interview with son of Holocaust survivor
20:00 , Bryony Gooch‘At my university, people are afraid to show any signs that they are Jewish’
19:45 , Bryony GoochFor many British Jews, university life feels like the front line of ‘new antisemitism’ – never more so than on the anniversary of 7 October, when ‘Time for dessert’ bake sales and demonstrations are being organised by their fellow students. Nicole Lampert reports.
‘At my university, people are afraid to show any signs that they are Jewish’
In pictures: Students protest war in Gaza
19:30 , Bryony Gooch
Edinburgh University staff and students gather for pro-Palestinian protest
19:10 , Bryony GoochHundreds of students and staff at Edinburgh University have gathered for a pro-Palestinian protest on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks that sparked the conflict in Gaza.
Many protesters were carrying flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans as they gathered outside the university’s main library on George Square.
They were addressed by speakers, including from a number of student organisations, and were led in English and Arabic chants to the sound of drums.
Participants shouted the word “shame” and cheered at intervals as the speakers called for an end to the ongoing conflict, and for the university to divest from firms with links to Israel’s military operation.
They also criticised calls from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the university management not to take part in the protest.
The demonstrators then marched through Bristow Square and on to the university’s Old College, where further speeches and chants are taking place.
Protesters 'will not be intimidated by the state' says speaker at London march
19:00 , Bryony GoochA speaker at a march in London said student protesters “will not be intimidated by the state” after the Prime Minister criticised pro-Palestine demonstrations planned for October 7.
Speaking to more than 100 protesters gathered near SOAS University in Bloomsbury, expelled student Haya Adam said: “Keir Starmer has urged students not to protest today but we are here today.
“We have successfully marched all the way from KCL to SOAS.
“We will not be intimidated by the state or afraid by their oppression.”
Ms Adam, who previously studied international relations and law at SOAS, added that the Prime Minister and the Labour Government were funding destruction in Gaza.
“It’s our responsibility to march today because it’s been over two years, two years and 77 years of an ongoing nakba, of continuous forced starvation, massacres against our Palestinian brothers and sisters,” she said.
In pictures: Protesters take to the streets
18:54 , Bryony Gooch
Protesters stand on Whitehall and chant 'Free Palestine'
18:51 , Bryony GoochThe protesters have stopped marching as they reach Downing Street, where they are chanting ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Stop the bombing now’.
They are holding flags as they sing and chant. Police are standing by and watching on.
Protesters appear to be heading to Downing Street from Trafalgar Square
18:46 , Bryony GoochLive footage from the march on YouTube shows the marchers heading towards Downing Street. The protesters walked down Regent Street and through Trafalgar Square carrying Palestinian flags.
We’ll keep you updated as the group move towards Whitehall.
Watch: Interview with pro-Palestine October 7 protester
18:40 , Bryony GoochPictured: Public Order Act mapped by Met Police for Intifada 87 march
18:30 , Bryony Gooch
Met Police organise no go area as pro-Palestine group to march on BBC headquarters
18:08 , Bryony GoochThe Metropolitan Police has imposed Public Order Act conditions on a protest by Intifada 87, a pro-Palestine group.
“They intend to assemble outside the BBC at 17:30hrs before walking to Downing Street for a static protest. They must not enter the zone shown in red below, this is to prevent disruption to the community” a statement read.
Once the group reach Downing Street, they must stay within the area shown in red below, on Richmond Terrace. They must also conclude by 8pm, according to the force.
We’ve imposed Public Order Act conditions on a protest by Intifada 87, a pro-Palestine group. They intend to assemble outside the BBC at 17:30hrs before walking to Downing Street for a static protest.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 7, 2025
They must not enter the zone shown in red below, this is to prevent… pic.twitter.com/LGScoUo7cq
King's College staff member clashes with pro-Palestine protesters
17:50 , Maryam Zakir-HussainProtest in pictures
17:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe protest started outside King’s College London and concluded at SOAS.
Students chant 'I believe we will win'
17:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAs the speeches come to an end, one student has led the crowd in a chant of “I believe we will win” with several jumping to the music and swinging their keffiyehs to much applause.
An event is due to be held this evening at King’s College London, as well as speeches near UCL, two of several events held at universities across the UK on the second anniversary of 7 October.
'Students are rising up for Palestine'
16:52 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
Haya Adam, the president of the Palestine Society who was recently expelled from SOAS for her pro-Palestine activism, told the crowds: “We will continue to honour each and every one of our martyrs. Students are rising up for Palestine.”
She added: “When we say from the river to the sea, We mean it. There is only one state, Palestine 48.”
Student calls on crowd to remain 'determined'
16:44 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
A second year UCL student told the crowd to remain “determined” in the face of injustice.
“The first and most important thing is when you decide to take part in student resistance, you are joining a movement,” she said.
“What you are joining is a liberation movement and we will be successful as it is promised to us.”
The majority of the crowd remains masked, with several wearing keffiyehs and carrying the Palestinian flag.
March approaches SOAS
16:36 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
One of the protesters leading the march is now chanting “Palestine is not your home” and “F*** you f*** you Israel” as the crowd marches towards SOAS, where the march is due to conclude.
Counter protestor shouts at crowd
16:19 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
A counter protester has begun shouting ‘Free Gaza from Hamas’ and ‘There is no genocide, there is no famine’ and ‘You terrorist scum’.
In response, crowds have chanted ‘Scum’ while police gathered to circle him.
Son of holocaust survivor says priority is to 'stop the killing now'
16:06 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
Mark Etkin, the son of a holocaust survivor, has joined today’s student protest in solidarity.
He told The Independent that his priority as the son of a Holocaust survivor is “to stop the killing now, as we speak today”.
When asked his response to criticism of the protests from politicians, Mr Etkin, from Watford said: “I think the politicians who have been saying that mostly have been people who have been actively supporting a genocide in Gaza.
“They have the blood of tens of thousands of children and women and others on their hands, so I don't listen to them at all.
“The priority for me as the son of a Holocaust survivor is not just to mourn people who have already died - no matter how important that is - it's to stop the killing now as we speak today.
He added: “Weapons today made in Britain are contributing to the deaths of children and others in Gaza as we speak.
“That has to stop now in order to save those lives. So these brave student protesters have to keep demonstrating until that genocide stops.
“If Starmer had any concern about civilian lives, lives at all, he would stop his own complicity in genocide.”
Protest reaches Russel Square
15:55 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
The protest has made its way up Kingsway and has now reached Russell Square, where they will gather outside the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
Drums are still beating and chants of “from the river to the sea” can still be heard.
Protests 'represent return to humanity'
15:52 , Athena StavrouAli Khalaf, one of the demonstrators in London, told The Independent that the pro-Palestine protests “represents the return to our humanity, collectively globally”.
He said: “I know it's October 7th it's unfortunate that it’s a day like today, because a lot of innocent people lost their lives, but ultimately October 7th happens every day to the Palestinian people.
“So we need to remember that.”
Starmer's criticism of protests 'unjust'
15:44 , Athena StavrouA student protesting against the war in Gaza said Sir Keir Starmer’s criticism of demonstrations planned for the anniversary of the October 7 attacks is “unjust”.
Speaking outside King’s College London on Tuesday, the student, who wished to remain anonymous, said of the Prime Minister’s comments: “Keir Starmer, to be honest, he hasn’t really done much anyway, and I believe that for him to say it’s ‘not British enough’, it’s just unjust of him, it doesn’t make any sense.
“Us as humans, we have to come together to protest about this.
“It’s a critical, critical matter that we have to speak upon.
“Palestinians are still humans at the end of the day, and these countless, countless massacres that are going on, it’s completely wrong.”
Asked why he had chosen to attend the protest, the 18-year-old said: “Today, it would have either been me choosing a lecture or choosing this Palestinian protest and I believe this protest is much, much more important than the lecture, because it is not talked about enough how much these Palestinians are suffering.”
Those criticising protests 'hypocrites', says demonstrator
15:34 , Athena StavrouAn Edinburgh University staff member taking part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration has described those calling for the protest not to take place as “hypocrites”.
Sara Al Disi, 32, said: “We are protesting the violence that’s actually been enacted on the Palestinian people.
“The (Manchester) synagogue attack, it’s a very horrific thing, and it’s actually very scandalous that the media and the politicians are using it to suppress pro-Palestine activism, because it’s not the same thing.
“They’re trying to equate antisemitism and anti-Zionism. And I think a lot of people just don’t believe that any more. It does not wash.”
She added: “I think we should protest today, especially because they’re trying to make it so that (we can’t protest) on that day – and to say that actually they’re hypocrites.”
'This did not start on 7 October'
15:31 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
One protester, who has led many of the chants and wished to remain anonymous, said: “This did not start on 7 October. This narrative that it started on October 7 is the most illogical idea.
“Israel has bombed and committed a modern state of apartheid in Gaza for 77 years. 750,000 Palestinians were forced out of their lands.
“This isn’t a war, this isn’t a conflict, this is a genocide and must be called that. I will stand and tell you and every other media organisation that this is a genocide.”
Protesters unfurl banner with names of Palestinians killed by Israel
15:26 , Athena Stavrou.jpeg)
London march arrives at LSE
15:22 , Athena StavrouOutside London School of Economics, more chants of “Palestine will be free” can be heard and “From the river to the sea”.
The crowd appears to be a mixture of protesters, press and a number of students who are observing while attending their classes.
Aside from a few speeches, the demonstration has largely revolved around drum beats and chanting.
Israeli counter-protestor says demonstrations 'insensitive'
15:16 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
One of the small number of counter-protesters said she thought it was “incredibly insensitive and offensive” for students to protest on October 7.
Emily Schrader, an Israeli journalist who said she was visiting family in London, told The Independent: “To protest today specifically isn't a sign of support for Palestinians, it's a sign of support for Hamas and the actions that happened that day.
“It’s wildly offensive and irresponsible, both for Israelis, of course, but even more than that, also for Palestinians who have been suffering under Hamas, who are also victims of a UK designated terrorist organisation.”
Watch: King's College staff member clashes with pro-Palestine protesters
15:10 , Athena StavrouHundreds gather in Edinburgh
15:02 , Athena StavrouHundreds of students and staff at Edinburgh University have gathered for a pro-Palestinian protest on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks that sparked the conflict in Gaza.
Many protesters were carrying flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans as they gathered outside the university’s main library on George Square.
They were addressed by speakers, including from a number of student organisations, and were led in English and Arabic chants to the sound of drums.
Participants shouted the word “shame” and cheered at intervals as the speakers called for an end to the ongoing conflict, and for the university to divest of investments in companies they said are producing weapons being used in the conflict.
They also criticised calls from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the university management not to take part in the protest.
The demonstrators then marched through Bristow Square and on to the university’s Old College, where further speeches and chants are taking place.
Small group of counter-protesters arrive at London demonstration
14:46 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from The Strand:
As hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators gather on the Strand to mark two years since October 7 2023, a small group of counter-protesters also appeared holding an Israeli flag.
Students deliver speeches at protest
14:33 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from The Strand:
Taking to the makeshift stage outside the King’s College London Strand campus, one protester said: “This did not start on 7 October. Generations have been born under siege and displacement, entire families have been wiped off.
“Freedom is a fallen word to them, they have known Nothing but torture, humiliation and grief.”
Her speech is met with chants of “shame”
Pictures from the Strand as protest begins outside King's College
14:27 , Athena Stavrou
Protesters reject Starmer's 'un-British' characterisation
14:14 , Athena StavrouOne of the organisers of the Sheffield protest, Anton Parocki, of the Revolutionary Communist Party, rejected Sir Keir Starmer’s claim that holding pro-Palestinian rallies on October 7 was “un-British”.
Mr Parocki said: “I think it’s quite funny. What does that mean?
“Are all these people here anti-British? Are all the millions of people that come out for Palestinian protests anti-British?
“Is it anti-British to go against a genocide? That seems like what he’s saying, which is quite funny.”
He said: “But, to be honest, I don’t care what a war criminal says.
“Keir Starmer is a war criminal, so his opinion means very little to me.”
Mr Parocki added: “It’s disgraceful, isn’t it?
“He says it’s insensitive. You know what I think is insensitive? Is that there’s been two years of genocide.
“That’s way worse, with the British Government supporting it.”
Protestors unfurl banner with names of those killed in Gaza as London protest begins
14:00 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Holly Evans reports from London:
Palestine protesters have unfurled a long piece of fabric outside entrance to Strand campus, believed to contain names of those killed in Gaza.
University officials are attempting to ensure the banner doesn’t obstruct students attending classes.
A small group of protesters, all wearing masks and sunglasses, have congregated outside.
Chants of “1,2,3,4, occupation no more, 5,6,7,8, Israel is a terror state” can be heard, as well as “From the river to the sea” and “Palestine will live forever”.
Several members of the press are present, as well as Met Police officers.
Ed Davey says protests today are 'completely wrong'
13:42 , Athena StavrouLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey agreed it would be “completely wrong” for people to take part in protests in support of Palestine on the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack.
Speaking to the PA news agency during a visit to Fife, Sir Ed said: “I think people shouldn’t protest today.
“Liberal Democrats are giving a strong message that protesting on this anniversary with all the grief and sadness of it, particularly in the UK given what happened last week in Manchester with the appalling terrorist attack on worshippers at the synagogue.
“I think it would be completely wrong for people to protest.”
Pictured: Student's protest in Sheffield
13:24 , Athena Stavrou
Students gather at Sheffield university for Gaza protest
13:17 , Athena StavrouAround 100 people joined a demonstration outside at the students’ union building at Sheffield University.
Those who gathered shouted chants including: “From river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, “there is only one solution – revolution, revolution” and “occupation is a crime, get your hands off Palestine”.
Those who gathered for the Revolutionary Communist Party-organised event on Tuesday also chanted criticism of the university’s policies, shouting: “Your uni is covered in Palestinian blood.”
A few protesters were carrying Palestinian flags but only a couple carried placards.
The protest was watched by a handful of university security officers but there was no obvious police presence.
Wes Streeting warns NHS failing Jewish patients
12:50 , Holly EvansWes Streeting has warned that medical institutions are “completely failing to protect Jewish patients”.
The health secretary told The Times: “Two years on from the horrific events of October 7th and just days after a despicable attack on our nation’s Jewish community, we must be unequivocal that antisemitism has absolutely no place in our NHS, or anywhere in our society.”
He added: “It should go without saying that doctors making racist comments about Jewish people is abhorrent and demands action. Yet all too often, appropriate action by regulators has been sorely lacking.
'We need to stand alongside Jewish community', says minister
12:30 , Holly EvansAhead of the prospect of pro-Palestine protests on the second anniversary of the Hamas terror atrocities in Israel on Tuesday and just days after the Manchester synagogue attack, communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told LBC Radio: “This is a really tough time for the Jewish community. We have seen a rise in antisemitism that is absolutely unacceptable.
“We have had, for the first time in our history, a Jewish person killed because they are Jewish. That is absolutely unacceptable and we need to stand alongside the Jewish community in solidarity.
“What I would say to people is the Jewish community are our neighbours, they’re our community, they’re our friends and we should be compassionate and thoughtful and considerate.”
Full story: Starmer urges students to halt pro-Palestine protests
12:10 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has urged students not to attend pro-Palestine protests on the second anniversary of the “heinous” October 7 terror attacks on Israel and just days after two people were killed at a synagogue in Manchester.
Hundreds were arrested at a Palestine Action demonstration in London on Saturday, which went ahead despite calls from Sir Keir and others in the wake of the attack on British soil, leading Amnesty International to say it should not be the job of police to arrest people “peacefully sitting down”.
Thousands of students are expected to attend rallies on Tuesday on the second anniversary of the atrocity in which 1,200 people were killed.
Read the full story here:
Starmer urges university students to halt pro-Palestine protest planned for October 7
Police to be given greater powers to restrict protests
11:50 , Holly EvansOn Sunday, it was announced that police are to be given greater powers to restrict protests by allowing them to consider the “cumulative impact” of repeated demonstrations.
The measures follow frequent pro-Palestinian demonstrations including an event in London on Saturday which saw almost 500 arrests.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said repeated large-scale protests had caused “considerable fear” for the Jewish community.
The Government will amend Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 to explicitly allow the police to take account of the cumulative impact of frequent protests on local areas in order to impose conditions on public processions and assemblies.
The Home Secretary will also review existing legislation to ensure powers are sufficient and are being applied consistently by police forces – this will include powers to ban protests outright.
She said: “The right to protest is a fundamental freedom in our country. However, this freedom must be balanced with the freedom of their neighbours to live their lives without fear.
“Large, repeated protests can leave sections of our country, particularly religious communities, feeling unsafe, intimidated and scared to leave their homes.”
Jenrick describes protests on anniversary a 'f****** disgrace'
11:29 , Holly EvansShadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick branded plans for protests in towns and cities including London and Edinburgh on the anniversary of the attacks “a f****** disgrace”.
He told a fringe event at the Tory party conference: “I would say first and foremost to people, our fellow citizens who are thinking of doing that, show some common decency.”
If organisers refuse to call off such protests then a change in the law to consider the “cumulative impact” should be considered, he said, noting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has already taken steps towards this.
Liverpool university 'bake sale' moved to a different date
11:15 , Holly EvansA fundraising “bake sale” that had been planned by the Guild of Students at the University of Liverpool has since been moved to a different date.
A spokesperson for the university said: “We work in close partnership with our Guild of Students, the primary representative body for students at the University, to promote an inclusive, respectful and welcoming campus culture and environment.
“This includes working with hundreds of student societies, representing a wide range of causes, activities and areas of interest for our diverse, global community.
“Following discussions, the organisers of this proposed event have agreed to move this fundraising activity to an alternative date.”
Foreign students should be deported for joining pro-Palestine marches on October 7, says Chris Philp
11:05 , Millie CookeThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports from the Tory conference:
Foreign students should be deported for joining pro-Palestine marches on the second anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7 attacks on Israel, Chris Philp has said.
"Standing by and saying nothing when encountering extremism is complicity", the shadow home secretary told the main stage of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
He added: "And those expressing extremism or antisemitism or racial religious hatred of any kind or support for terrorism, who are not British citizens, should be removed from this country including those at the student marches today."
7 October anniversary just days after Manchester terror attack
10:55 , Holly EvansThe anniversary of the attacks comes less than a week after knife-wielding terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, killed two men at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both died in the attack which unfolded on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Greater Manchester Police has pledged to put “every available resource into making sure that we understand precisely what has happened”.
Mr Daulby is believed to have been shot dead by police while trying to stop the Manchester synagogue terrorist from entering the building.
Students say they are protesting 'genocide and forced starvation'
10:51 , Holly EvansFacing criticism for holding demonstrations over the weekend, just days after the synagogue terror attack which killed two in Manchester, pro-Palestine and democracy groups called for the right to peaceful protest.
It comes after home secretary Shabana Mahmood said police are to be given greater powers to restrict protests by allowing them to consider the “culminative impact” of repeated demonstrations.
On Instagram, students organising the protest said that they were protesting “two years of “genocide, forced starvation, murder, ethnic cleansing, imprisonment, torture and settler colonialism”.
They added: “As students, academics, workers, people of conscience, we cannot allow this to continue with business as usual during a live streamed genocide.”
Human rights charity Liberty’s director Akiko Hart said: “The police already have immense powers to restrict protests – handing them even more would undermine our rights further while failing to keep people safe from violence like the horrific and heart-breaking antisemitic attack in Manchester.”
Tom Southerden, Amnesty International UK’s law and human rights director, said: “Is the Government seriously suggesting that people protesting its decisions should only be able to do that a limited number of times? If it is, it is a ludicrous proposal, and if not, this announcement is just a cynical attempt at looking tough.”
Palestine protests go against 'British values', says minister
10:39 , Holly EvansPro-Palestinian protests taking place on the anniversary of the October 7 atrocities go against “British values”, the Education Secretary said.
Bridget Phillipson told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “Even where those protests are lawful, I think our British values are also respect for one another, making sure that we have a sense of compassion, a sense of empathy and understanding that given that we are two years on and it’s the anniversary of those terrible, terrible events of October 7, and especially given the terrorist attack that we saw in Manchester, I would just say to those thinking about taking part in protests ‘do you really have to do that today, of all days?’
“There are 364 other days in the year where you can protest. And that is not to diminish their right to protest about the suffering that they see in Gaza, how they want the war to end and how they want hostages out and aid in. That’s what I want too.
“But two years on from October 7, I would just ask people to reflect and try and think about our shared humanity and our responsibilities to one another – and particularly Jewish people in our country – who today will be feeling a deep sense of mourning and loss and real concern.”
Students attending protests should 'show some humanity', says education secretary
10:29 , Holly EvansStudents considering joining pro-Palestinian protests on the anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel should “pause” and “show some humanity”, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said.
A string of protests at universities are expected later on Tuesday, two years on from the October 7 atrocities in southern Israel.
Ms Phillipson told Sky News: “There is, of course, within our country the fundamental right to protest. It’s a cornerstone of our democracy.
“But my message is that, as we remember the awful atrocities that took place two years ago on October 7, I would just encourage those considering taking part in protests to pause, to reflect and to understand the deep sense of loss that many people in our country will be experiencing today, not least given the appalling attacks we saw at Manchester last week.
“So my message is that whilst you might have the right to protest, I would urge people to show some humanity, to show some respect and to understand the deep sense of grief and loss that many Jewish people in our country will be experiencing today.”
Kemi Badenoch says protests have turned into 'hate marches'
10:16 , Holly EvansOn the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said “the same hatred that fuelled those barbaric attacks still festers today”.
She said in a statement: “Israel, the world’s only Jewish state, has faced hatred, war and terror since the day it was founded. And yet, it has stood strong. A beacon of democracy and resilience in the Middle East.
“But two years on from the horrific massacre on October 7, we must also be honest: the same hatred that fuelled those barbaric attacks still festers today.
“We see it in the so-called ‘protests’ that turn into hate marches on our streets. We hear it in chants calling to ‘globalise the intifada’. And we saw it again, tragically, in the appalling terrorist attack on our Jewish community right here in Manchester just last week.”
She added: “It is shameful that in recognising Palestine as a state, the Government has rewarded the terrorists that perpetrated the 7th October atrocities.
“Appeasement does not work. There are still 48 hostages held captive in Gaza. They must come home now.”
Where are protests due to take place?
10:12 , Holly EvansUniversity students from several institutions are expected to gather at an event in London on Tuesday, two years to the day since some 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage during Hamas’s incursion into Israel.
Details of the demonstration in the capital are posted online and include groups from King’s College London, the London School of Economics, University College London, SOAS and Roehampton University.
Other events are set to take place outside of London, including protests at Strathclyde University, Edinburgh University and the University of Leeds.
On Tuesday morning, Roehampton Palestine Society reposted details of the London event.
A post on the Instagram page for King’s College London Students for Justice for Palestine said on Monday evening it was “incumbent upon every student at KCL to be there to show solidarity” at the walkout from classes scheduled at 2pm.
Starmer urges students to halt pro-Palestine protests
10:03 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has urged students not to attend pro-Palestine protests on the second anniversary of the “heinous” October 7 terror attacks on Israel and just days after two people were killed at a synagogue in Manchester.
Thousands of students are expected to attend rallies on Tuesday on the second anniversary of the atrocity in which 1,200 people were killed.
Writing in The Times, Sir Keir described protests set to take place at universities on Tuesday as "un-British", claiming they show a lack of respect for others.
He added that the pro-Palestine protests have been used by some as a "despicable excuse to attack British Jews".
Sir Keir wrote in the newspaper: "Today, on the anniversary of the atrocities of October 7, students are once again planning protests.
"This is not who we are as a country. It's un-British to have so little respect for others. And that's before some of them decide to start chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again."
