UK's Top Security Official Calls Pro-Palestine Protests Following Manchester Incident as 'Un-British'

The UK's security chief has declared that the choice by Palestinian supporters to proceed with demonstrations calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza following Thursday's fatal incident at a synagogue in Manchester was "essentially contrary to British principles".

The home secretary further added she would ask anyone thinking about attending such events to pause and reflect how they would respond if a loved one was murdered on the most sacred day of their belief system.

When further particulars emerged about the perpetrator, named by law enforcement as Jihad al-Shamie, Mahmood indicated he was not on the radar of anti-terror officers and had not been directed to the British de-radicalization initiative.

Local authorities confirmed that Adrian Daulby, 53 and a 66-year-old man were killed after Shamie rammed a crowd of individuals outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation before stabbing another individual. Three people were still in treatment while more suspects taken into custody by police stayed in custody.

The security minister used a television appearances to declare that Britain had experienced a "growing surge of anti-Jewish sentiment", stating that the government would "not accept that" as she attempted to comfort the Jewish population in the UK.

Safety protocols would be examined, she stated.

Responding to queries about what some commentators had characterized as a climate of fear that British Jews have encountered, notably since Hamas's 7 October attacks in 2023 and the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, she remarked there was "certainly great worry about situations in the Middle East but our priority is making sure our people here at home are protected".

Speaking about pro-Palestinian protests that continued on the previous day, she stated, "I was very disappointed to see those protests going ahead last night. I think that action is essentially un-British. I think it is dishonourable. I would have hoped those individuals to just take a pause."

"The matters that are inspiring those demonstrations have been going on for some time. They don't look like they are going to finish any time soon. They could have provided a community that has suffered just a brief time to deal with what has occurred," added Mahmood.

"To those who is considering going on a rally what I would advise is consider that is you who has had a close relative killed on the most sacred day of your beliefs," she stated.

"There will be time for your demonstration later. Just because you have the liberty to protest doesn't mean you have to use it," remarked the home secretary.

"I would still call on people to show some compassion and some support to the families of those who have been killed and to our Jewish population."

She stated that around 40 people had been arrested at the previous day's gatherings including some on suspicion of harming law enforcement.

The attention has now turned to the city, where coordinators of protests urging a ban on Palestine Action to be removed have declared they aim to go ahead with a organized gathering on the weekend.