Palestinian-supporting demonstrations described as 'not in keeping with British values' in the wake of Manchester terror incident, UK home secretary asserts
Media Agency
Britain's Interior Minister voiced regret that Palestinian-supporting demonstrations went ahead on Thursday evening following the terror attack that claimed two lives near a synagogue in Manchester.
Britain's top security official also urged protesters to "step back" from plans to hold marches in the coming days.
"In my view that continuing in this way does feel contrary to British values, it seems misguided," the minister commented about protests arranged for this weekend.
Protesters in central London demonstrating against the Israel's naval forces halting a flotilla carrying humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip clashed with law enforcement outside Downing Street on Thursday evening.
Large crowds carrying Palestinian flags and banners could be spotted on the government district throughout the night.
The Metropolitan Police reported that 40 people had been arrested. Six of those apprehended were charged with assaults on law enforcement personnel.
"It's crucial to draw a line between what is happening in the Middle East and situations developing at in our country," the home secretary remarked on a television interview on Friday.
"I would say to individuals who are planning to join a demonstration is to reconsider briefly for a moment, and imagine if you had suffered the loss of a loved one to a terrorist incident in this country," she emphasized.
There were "substantial" authorities to defend the freedom to protest, she noted, but they could be overridden on the recommendation of the police.
"I can act based from the law enforcement, if they were to tell me there was an insufficient resources to handle and to police the demonstrations, then there are authorities that are accessible," she clarified.
Jewish community representatives voice worries
The UK's Chief Rabbi stated that many members of the Jewish community questioned why protests in support of Palestinian causes had been authorized to proceed.
The organization was banned as a prohibited organization in July. At various protests after that, hundreds have been taken into custody for showing support for the organization, which has obtained permission to contest the restriction.
"Some of them feature explicit anti-Jewish sentiment, outright backing for the militant group. Not all participants, however there is so much of these elements, which undoubtedly represents risky to many within our community," the chief rabbi declared.
"You cannot separate the speech on our streets, the conduct of people in this manner, and what subsequently occurs, which was Thursday's violent act."
He also appealed to the government "once more", to "take control on these protests, they are dangerous."