UK's Top Security Official Labels Pro-Palestine Protests Following Manchester Attack as 'Un-British'

The UK's security chief has stated that the decision by advocates for Palestine to proceed with demonstrations urging an end to the conflict in Gaza following the recent deadly attack at a Jewish place of worship in Manchester was "fundamentally un-British".

Shabana Mahmood also stated she would urge anyone considering attending such events to stop and think how they would feel if a family member was taken on the most important religious day of their religion.

As further information were revealed about the assailant, named by authorities as Jihad al-Shamie, Mahmood stated he was not known to counter-terrorism authorities and had not been directed to the UK's Prevent scheme.

Law enforcement stated that Adrian Daulby, 53 and Melvin Cravitz, 66 died after the perpetrator rammed a gathering of people outside the Jewish worship center before attacking another individual. Several individuals continued to be in hospital while three other people arrested by police continued in detention.

The home secretary used a morning broadcast round to assert that Britain had seen a "growing surge of antisemitism", stating that the government would "not stand for that" as she attempted to comfort the Jewish population in the UK.

Security arrangements would be reviewed, she stated.

In response to questions about what some commentators had characterized as a environment of concern that Jewish people have experienced, especially since last year's Middle East violence in 2023 and the commencement of the conflict in Gaza, she stated there was "certainly great worry about situations in the area but our main focus is making sure our residents here at home are secure".

Addressing pro-Gaza demonstrations that continued on that evening, she commented, "I felt considerable concern to see those gatherings going ahead last night. I think that action is fundamentally un-British. I think it is disrespectful. I would have wanted those individuals to just take a moment to reflect."

"The issues that are inspiring those rallies have been going on for a period. They don't appear they are going to finish any time soon. They could have allowed a group that has suffered just a short period to process what has taken place," stated Mahmood.

"To anybody who is considering going on a protest what I would say is reflect on that is you who has had a family member taken on the most important religious day of your religion," she added.

"We can return to your demonstration later. Just because you have the right to protest doesn't mean you need to use it," stated the home secretary.

"I maintain my request for people to show some compassion and some solidarity to the relatives of those who have been killed and to our Jewish population."

She revealed that approximately 40 people had been taken into custody at Thursday's demonstrations including some on charges of harming police.

The focus has now shifted to the capital, where coordinators of protests demanding a ban on a specific group to be lifted have said they intend to proceed with a scheduled event on Saturday.