Arrests WILL be made over ‘globalise intifada’ chants, police chiefs confirm for first time

Police officers in London and Manchester have been ordered to take a more “assertive” approach and “take action” over chants such as “globalise the intifada” when they are heard being chanted at pro-Palestine demos.

A statement issued jointly by the Metropolitan Police commissioner and chief constable of Greater Manchester Police confirmed the move on Wednesday, in the aftermath of the Sydney and Heaton Park terror attacks.

The move has long been called for by communal groups including the Board of Deputies and the Community Security Trust.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also signalled his belief that “globalise the intifada” is an antisemitic call for attacks on Jews globally.

Starmer told Jewish News on Tuesday:”’Globalise the intifada’… we know what that chant is, and that’s among the reasons we want to look at the powers we’ve got for public order.”

The new guidance states that “after two terror attacks targeting Jews” and due to “increased fear” in the community there is a need for an “enhanced response” amid the consistent intimidation of pro-Palestine demonstrations.

“Words and chants used in protests matter,” adds the statement, “and have real world consequences.”

“We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as ‘globalise the intifada’ and those using it at future protest or in a targeted way should expect the Met and GMP to take action.”

It statement adds:”We will act decisively and make arrests.

“Frontline officers will be briefed on this enhanced approach. We will also use powers under the Public Order Act, including conditions around London synagogues during services.”

The Board responded to the announcement saying:” We strongly welcome this necessary intervention by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, that they will recalibrate to act decisively and make arrests in response placards and chants such as ‘Globalise the Intifada’.

“We have long warned that people chanting slogans like “Globalise the Intifada” are inciting violence, and we have been making the case for robust enforcement in relation to this slogan with government at all levels for some time. ”

The Jewish Leadership Council added:”The statement that the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police will now take action against those sharing such rhetoric is therefore a step in the right direction.

“We call on other police forces to take a similar approach and call on the Crime Prosecution Service to back them to ensure offenders receive the full weight of the law.”

The new guidance was confirmed in a joint statement written by  Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson.

It adds:”The words and chants used, especially in protests, matter and have real world consequences.

“We have consistently been advised by the CPS that many of the phrases causing fear in Jewish communities don’t meet prosecution thresholds. Now, in the escalating threat context, we will recalibrate to be more assertive.”

It acknowledges the impact of two terrorist attacks directed at the Jewish communities of Sydney and at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, and also the impact of rising antisemitism globally.

It notes that the horrific terrorist attacks have only added to worry and concerns of Jews not just in these two cities, but across the rest of the UK also.

“Antisemitic hate has surged,” the police chiefs add, “protests have intensified, on online abuse has grown” since the October 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel.

“These trends create fear and disrupt daily life -and have an impact on how safe the Jewish community feel when attending synagogues and other communal spaces.

“Jewish children attend schools behind fences, guarded by security and routine police patrols. No community should have to live like this. This must change.”

Police chiefs have previously been hesitant to make arrests over chants such as “globalise the intifada” – now frequently used on pro-Palestine demos.

But the newly released statement appears to echo the concerns raised by Starmer in parliament, and in recent speeches to the community about the chant “globalise the intifada.”

The PM also told Jewish News on Tuesday how he was particularly taken aback by a visit to Bushey United Synagogue, where he sat for two hours hearing the concerns raised by mothers, children and others in the local community about the impact of antisemitism on their lives.

The police chiefs statements also accepts “current laws are inadequate, and we welcome the fact that the Home Secretary has asked Lord Ken Macdonald KC to review the current public order and hate crime legislation.”

The Community Security Trust (CST) said the announcement comes “not a moment too soon” as they welcomed the “more robust response to violent language on protests”.

A spokesperson said: “This is a necessary and important first step to turning back this tide of violent incitement and we hope that police across the country, and the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), will follow suit.”

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