UK's Top Security Official Calls Pro-Palestine Demonstrations Following Manchester Attack as 'Against British Values'

The home secretary has stated that the move by pro-Palestinian groups to continue with protests demanding an halt to the war in Gaza following Thursday's fatal attack at a synagogue in Manchester was "deeply against British values".

Britain's security minister also stated she would urge anyone thinking about attending these demonstrations to consider carefully how they would react if a family member was murdered on the most sacred day of their religion.

While more information were revealed about the perpetrator, recognized by law enforcement as Jihad al-Shamie, Mahmood stated he was not known to counter-terrorism officers and had not been referred to the British Prevent program.

Law enforcement stated that Adrian Daulby, 53 and a 66-year-old man died after the perpetrator drove into a gathering of individuals outside the Jewish worship center before assaulting another man. Multiple victims remained in treatment while more suspects arrested by authorities stayed in confinement.

The security minister used a series of media interviews to declare that Britain had witnessed a "growing surge of anti-Jewish sentiment", adding that the government would "not tolerate that" as she sought to reassure the Jewish community in the UK.

Safety protocols would be assessed, she announced.

In response to questions about what various observers had described as a atmosphere of anxiety that British Jews have experienced, particularly since last year's Middle East violence in 2023 and the start of the conflict in Gaza, she said there was "certainly great concern about events in the area but our primary concern is making sure our residents here at home are secure".

Discussing pro-Palestinian rallies that went ahead on Thursday, she commented, "I felt considerable concern to see those protests going ahead last night. I think that conduct is fundamentally against British values. I think it is disrespectful. I would have preferred those individuals to just take a pause."

"The issues that are driving those protests have been persisting for a while. They don't appear they are going to finish any time soon. They could have provided a group that has been through trauma just a day or two to come to terms with what has happened," stated the minister.

"To anybody who is considering going on a demonstration what I would suggest is imagine that is you who has had a loved one killed on the most sacred day of your faith," she commented.

"We can get back to your rally later. Just because you have the right to demonstrate doesn't mean you have to use it," remarked Mahmood.

"I maintain my request for people to show some empathy and some unity to the relatives of those who have been killed and to our Jewish community."

She confirmed that approximately 40 people had been arrested at the recent protests including some on allegations of assaulting police.

The focus has now shifted to the capital, where planners of rallies demanding a restriction on Palestine Action to be removed have declared they intend to continue with a planned action on Saturday.