UCL warns of disciplinary action after ‘Zionists not welcome’ chants near campus

UCL has said it will take disciplinary action against any of its students found to have taken part in chants declaring “Zionists are not welcome here” during an incident near its central London campus.

Footage shared online last week appeared to show masked individuals chanting the slogan during a confrontation close to the university, prompting concern among Jewish students and community groups.

The incident came days after a report by the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) highlighted rising antisemitism on campus.

In a statement, a UCL spokesperson acknowledged the impact of the scenes, saying: “We know how deeply distressing this incident, which took place on a public street outside our university, will have been for many of our students and staff.”

The university stressed that the incident occurred off campus and outside its direct authority, adding: “Our security team closely monitored the situation, but unfortunately we have no control over what takes place in the public realm and not on UCL property and, in this case, no authority to tell either the stallholders or the counter-protesters that such activities could not happen in a public space.”

However, UCL reiterated its position on antisemitism, stating: “We have repeatedly made clear to our community that all forms of antisemitism are entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated at UCL.”

It added that action would be taken if any students were involved: “If any of our students are found to have been among the counter-protesters chanting discriminatory slogans, then we will not hesitate to act.”

Responding to the footage, Conservative MP Laura Trott said the scenes reflected a wider problem facing Jewish students.

“This is a grim picture of the appalling behaviour Jewish students are facing,” she wrote on X. “These vile individuals are masked to intimidate. We should not tolerate this.

“Any student involved must face firm disciplinary action, or we signal this behaviour is acceptable. Enough.”

The response is likely to offer some reassurance to Jewish students, amid ongoing concerns about campus hostility following the 7 October attacks and subsequent war in Israel and Gaza.

The UJS report published last week warned that many Jewish students continue to face intimidation and exclusion at UK universities, with incidents ranging from verbal abuse to social ostracisation.

UCL has not confirmed whether any individuals involved have been identified or whether a formal investigation is underway.

UJS has been contacted for comment.