Gaza Protests, Sunak’s Remarks, and the Debate on Civil Rights: A Comprehensive Overview

Recent news has brought protests back into the spotlight, particularly those concerning Gaza. However, the focus has shifted towards the political and police reactions to these demonstrations, with specific attention drawn to comments made by Rishi Sunak on Wednesday.

What was stated by the Prime Minister?

Following a meeting with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Rishi Sunak, as conveyed by No 10, expressed concern over what he described as “a growing consensus that mob rule is replacing democratic rule.” Later in the day, during a speech to the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity dedicated to the safety of the UK’s Jewish community, Sunak reiterated his stance, highlighting the use of violent and intimidatory tactics to “hijack the democratic process through force itself.”

In discussions with police chiefs, Sunak emphasized his desire for stricter measures regarding protests occurring outside parliament, political party offices, town halls, or any venue causing “alarm, harassment, or distress.” Downing Street clarified that Sunak’s statements were informed by the sentiments of the public, though specifics regarding how this sentiment was gauged remained somewhat ambiguous.

Sunak’s Remarks Amidst Gaza Protests and Rising Antisemitism Concerns

Although Rishi Sunak’s government has already implemented new anti-protest legislation in response to disruptions by groups like Just Stop Oil, the catalyst for Sunak’s recent remarks stems from months of demonstrations against the Israeli military operation in Gaza, which has resulted in nearly 30,000 casualties to date.

While these protests have occurred nationwide, the largest and most frequent gatherings have been observed in London, some in close proximity to Parliament. Arrests have been made during these protests, with charges ranging from disorderly conduct to the display or verbalization of antisemitic sentiments.

Earlier this month, the Community Security Trust (CST) reported a significant uptick in antisemitic incidents following the October 7 massacre by Hamas, with incidents occurring prior to Israel’s retaliatory measures. According to the charity’s data, there has been a staggering 589% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Concerns among ministers have also been raised regarding threats directed at MPs regarding the Gaza conflict. Recent attention was drawn to this issue after Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle modified a planned series of votes on a Gaza ceasefire, citing apprehensions about intimidation, particularly towards Labour MPs.

Challenging the Notion of ‘Mob Rule’ in Gaza Protests

The narrative of “mob rule” seems challenged by the actual arrest figures from the Gaza protests. For instance, during a demonstration in London on February 17th, with an estimated crowd exceeding 200,000 people, only 12 arrests were made. Metropolitan police data from October to December of the previous year revealed 153 arrests during various London marches, but only 36 individuals were charged with offenses.

Despite these statistics, some of the most severe disorder occurred in November when far-right groups counter-protested against a Gaza march, resulting in clashes with law enforcement.

However, certain MPs and ministers argue that arrest figures don’t fully capture the situation. They point to persistent crowds chanting pro-Palestine slogans and occasionally engaging in actions such as confronting individuals entering McDonald’s branches—a chain facing boycott calls after its Israeli franchise provided free meals to Israeli military personnel. Consequently, many Jewish individuals reportedly avoid central London on weekends due to perceived risks.

Sunak’s notion of “mob rule” also extends to criticisms of Commons Speaker Hoyle for altering parliamentary business in response to threats.

How have Sunak’s remarks been received?

Civil rights groups contend that recent measures are significantly disproportionate and pose a risk of criminalizing lawful protest. In an interview with the BBC on Thursday morning, Dal Babu, a former chief superintendent in the Met, criticized such rhetoric as “unhelpful,” citing his daughters’ participation in Gaza marches and asserting that protesters represent a diverse spectrum of society.

Pro-Palestinian march organizers have also pushed back against claims that the protests are dominated by Islamist extremists, denouncing what they see as a fabricated narrative. Lee Anderson, a former Tory deputy chair, faced repercussions over the weekend after suggesting that Islamist influences had overtaken London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is Muslim, leading to inadequate policing of the marches.

Separately, Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, has argued that Islamist elements hold sway in the UK.