Home Secretary condemns Gaza protests after Manchester synagogue attack as “un-British”

Published: 03 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

In the wake of Thursday’s deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue, the Home Secretary has condemned recent Gaza-related protests as “fundamentally un-British,” urging demonstrators to reconsider attending further rallies this weekend. Speaking to national broadcasters, Shabana Mahmood expressed deep concern for the Jewish community following the horrific events at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, where two people were killed and several others injured after a vehicle was driven into worshippers and the suspect proceeded to attack individuals with a knife.

Mahmood called on those planning to attend demonstrations to pause and reflect on the impact of their actions, asking them to consider how they would feel if a loved one were murdered on a sacred day of their faith. She emphasized that while Britain supports the right to peaceful protest, exercising that freedom at a time of acute grief for the victims’ families was inappropriate.

Greater Manchester police have identified the attacker as Jihad al-Shamie. Mahmood noted that Shamie was not previously known to counter-terrorism authorities and had not been referred to the government’s Prevent de-radicalisation programme. The incident left Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, dead. Three other victims remain in hospital, while three individuals who were arrested in connection with the attack remain in custody.

Highlighting the broader context of rising antisemitism in the UK, Mahmood reassured the Jewish community that the government would not tolerate such behaviour and promised a review of security arrangements around places of worship. She acknowledged that fears within the community, particularly following the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023 and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, are legitimate. However, she stressed that public safety at home remains the top priority.

Mahmood criticized pro-Palestinian demonstrations that went ahead on Thursday, describing them as “dishonourable” and insensitive to the victims and their families. She remarked that the issues motivating these protests have been long-standing but emphasized that activists should have given the grieving community a moment to process the tragedy before engaging in public demonstrations.

Addressing future protests, Mahmood underscored that authorities would ensure peaceful assemblies could proceed while balancing the need to protect vulnerable communities. She appealed directly to would-be protesters: “Imagine that it is you who has had a family member murdered on the holiest day of your faith. We can get back to your protest later. Just because you have the freedom to protest doesn’t mean you have to use it now.” She reiterated this appeal in interviews, urging solidarity with the Jewish community and compassion for the victims’ families.

Police have confirmed that approximately 40 people were arrested at Thursday’s protests, some on suspicion of assaulting officers. While the protests have shifted focus to London, organizers planning actions this weekend have urged authorities to prioritize the protection of communities over arrests, calling for a measured response that respects the right to demonstrate peacefully. Defend Our Juries, one such group, wrote to the Metropolitan Police urging them to concentrate on protecting communities potentially at risk of reprisals rather than targeting peaceful demonstrators opposing the ban on domestic direct action groups.

The Home Secretary’s remarks come amid growing tensions in the UK as authorities balance the right to protest with the need to safeguard communities still reeling from acts of terror. Her call for restraint reflects a broader effort by government officials to prevent further escalation and ensure public demonstrations do not inadvertently exacerbate fear or insecurity among minority communities.

Mahmood concluded by emphasizing that while public engagement and advocacy remain vital aspects of democratic life, timing and context matter. She urged all citizens to act responsibly, noting that showing solidarity and support for victims is a core part of maintaining social cohesion during periods of national tragedy.