Prime minister: ‘Globalise the intifada’ is antisemitic call to attack Jews

The Prime Minister has agreed with Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis that the chant by pro-Palestine protesters to “internationalise the intifada” constitutes an antisemitic call for attacks on Jewish communities.

In the House of Commons, New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis referenced Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to tackling rising antisemitism in the UK, highlighting the repeated use of the inflammatory chant at Gaza demonstrations across the country.

He asked: “When he talks about antisemitism here in Britain, is there any other interpretation for the demand to ‘internationalise the intifada’ other than a call to attack Jewish communities around the world?”

Responding to Sir Julian, Starmer — the only Jewish Conservative MP in the Commons — replied: “No, there is no other interpretation. I’m glad and pleased that he raised it as it gives me the opportunity to agree with him on that important point.”

A spokesperson for the Labour Friends of Israel group responded: “The Prime Minister is absolutely right. Chants to globalise the ‘intifada’ are nothing but a call to antisemitism. Glorifying murder and violence excuses and incites terrorism, whether it be on the streets of Tel Aviv or those of Manchester.”

On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed she plans to review current public order legislation regarding chants used at protests, such as those in support of Palestine, which might constitute hate crimes.

She stated she is “reviewing all existing legislation,” including laws surrounding “contested phrases,” which, based on context, may currently fall short of prosecution.

Mahmood emphasised her commitment to ensuring hate crimes are “always prosecuted” in the UK. She added: “The right to protest must and will be protected, but of all the freedoms we enjoy, none is more precious than the right to live in safety.”