Pro-Palestine March to Proceed in London Despite Calls to Cancel After Manchester Attack

Published: 04 October’ 2025. the English Chronicle Desk, English Chronicle Online

Pro-Palestine demonstrations in London are set to proceed this weekend despite appeals from political leaders and law enforcement to cancel the events following a terror attack at a Manchester synagogue on Thursday. Organisers of the protest, including the group Defend Our Juries, have confirmed that a rally in Trafalgar Square will take place on Saturday afternoon, with attendance expected to exceed 1,500 participants. Demonstrators plan to peacefully gather, carrying cardboard placards with messages such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” expressing solidarity with Palestinians while seeking to maintain a non-violent presence.

The decision to move forward with the march has sparked debate across political and social spheres, particularly given the timing in the immediate aftermath of a violent attack. Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley publicly urged organisers to reconsider, citing concerns over the strain on police resources. With additional officers deployed to protect synagogues and religious sites in London and other cities, he noted that the demonstrations could further stretch operational capacity. Rowley also warned that, given the recent attacks, public perception of the protests could provoke tension or be deemed insensitive to the grieving communities affected by the Manchester incident.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined the chorus of cautionary voices, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in the wake of the synagogue attack. He urged protest groups and attendees to acknowledge the grief of British Jews and consider whether proceeding with public demonstrations might inadvertently deepen the pain of mourners. Starmer’s intervention reflects broader concerns about the intersection of public expression, political activism, and communal safety during periods of heightened tension. The Prime Minister stressed that while the right to protest remains fundamental, the context of recent events necessitates careful judgment and compassion.

Despite these appeals, some voices within the political landscape have defended the right to proceed with peaceful demonstrations. Labour MP Kim Johnson, speaking to the Independent, asserted that the protest should continue as scheduled, arguing that policing priorities should focus on maintaining public safety rather than suppressing lawful expressions of dissent. Johnson emphasized that citizens have a constitutional right to assemble and voice their concerns, even in challenging circumstances, and that authorities must balance security with the protection of civil liberties.

The proposed protest in Trafalgar Square represents the latest iteration of ongoing pro-Palestinian activism in the United Kingdom, reflecting the sustained engagement of advocacy groups in highlighting humanitarian concerns in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories. Previous demonstrations have drawn attention to issues such as civilian casualties, economic blockades, and broader geopolitical dynamics, while also navigating the complexities of operating within highly scrutinized urban spaces. Organisers of Saturday’s rally have reiterated their commitment to peaceful conduct and maintaining a lawful presence, seeking to minimize disruption while ensuring their message reaches a public audience.

The backdrop of the Manchester synagogue attack has intensified scrutiny on public assemblies and demonstrations across the UK. On Thursday, a stabbing incident at the synagogue resulted in injuries and prompted an immediate law enforcement response, heightening concerns about security at religious sites and public gatherings. Authorities have since ramped up protective measures, deploying additional officers to synagogues, community centers, and areas expected to host large crowds. This heightened state of alert has placed pressure on policing resources and created a challenging environment for organisers of planned demonstrations.

In the wake of the Manchester attack, several public figures have voiced their disapproval of any protests that could be perceived as insensitive. Former Shadow Minister Shabana Mahmood condemned a demonstration that occurred in Manchester shortly after the stabbings, urging participants to “show some humanity” and respect the vulnerability of affected communities. Mahmood’s remarks highlight the tension between the expression of political viewpoints and the necessity of empathy during periods of communal mourning.

The upcoming London protest has reignited this debate, raising questions about the balance between freedom of assembly, the expression of political solidarity, and the responsibility to avoid inflaming tensions in already fragile circumstances. Supporters of the protest maintain that it is a vital platform for raising awareness of ongoing humanitarian issues, while critics caution that timing and optics are crucial in preventing additional social strain.

Public reaction to the planned demonstration has been mixed, reflecting wider divisions within society over the appropriate response to international crises, domestic security concerns, and civic responsibility. Many observers recognize the legitimacy of voicing opposition to perceived injustices while simultaneously acknowledging the emotional impact of recent violent events. The tension between these priorities underscores the broader challenges of facilitating peaceful protest in a complex and sensitive public environment.

As preparations for the Trafalgar Square march continue, law enforcement officials are coordinating with organisers to implement safety measures and ensure orderly conduct. Contingency plans include designated routes, crowd control arrangements, and rapid response protocols in case of unforeseen incidents. Authorities are working to balance security considerations with the rights of citizens to gather and express their viewpoints, emphasizing communication, monitoring, and collaboration as central to maintaining public safety.

The unfolding situation in London serves as a microcosm of broader debates in the UK and globally regarding the intersection of civil liberties, activism, and security. The decision to proceed with protests in the shadow of violent attacks illustrates the resilience of civic engagement but also highlights the ongoing responsibility of both organisers and authorities to navigate these events with prudence, compassion, and adherence to the rule of law.

As the nation watches the developments in Trafalgar Square, the focus remains on ensuring that demonstrations proceed safely, peacefully, and without exacerbating social tensions. The coming days will provide insight into the capacity of communities, organisers, and law enforcement to manage the delicate balance between public expression and security in a climate of heightened awareness and vulnerability.