Palestine protests latest: Hundreds to march despite Starmer and police calls to cancel after Manchester attack – UK Times

The protests on Saturday come after a car and stabbing attack was launched at a synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday.

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by police within minutes of launching the fatal attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed while preventing Al-Shamie from entering the synagogue. Three others remain in hospital after being injured in the car and stabbing attack.

Defend Our Juries rejected the calls to reconsider holding their demonstration.

A spokesman said the group “stood in solidarity” with the Jewish community over the attack.

He said: “It couldn’t be clearer that tomorrow’s action, which is in Trafalgar Square and not near any synagogue, is about defying the Government’s absurdly authoritarian proscription of Palestine Action and the Government’s complicity in the genocide being committed by the Israeli government.

“Yesterday’s attack was actual terrorism and we join others across the country in condemning it unreservedly and we urge the Home Secretary and the police to prioritise protecting the community, instead of arresting entirely peaceful protesters.

“Cancelling peaceful protests lets terror win.

“It’s more important than ever to defend our democracy, including our fundamental rights to peaceful protest and freedom of speech, and to take a stand tomorrow against killing and against oppression, and for peace and justice for all.”

The leaders of the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police had said covering protests would stretch resources.

Police forces have deployed extra officers to synagogues and other Jewish buildings to offer protection and reassurance in the aftermath of the attack.

Sir Keir Starmer had urged groups behind the demonstrations and attendees to “respect the grief of British Jews” as he said demonstrations could cause further pain to mourners.

The prime minister was among politicians, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who said the protests should be delayed or cancelled.

Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar said he had spoken to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and urged the Government to “fight the pro-Palestinian marches and protests”.

Pro-Palestine marches are set to go ahead in Manchester and London despite Sir Keir Starmer and police bosses calling for organisers to reconsider in the aftermath of two people being killed in a terror attack at a synagogue.

Defend Our Juries will protest at midday in support of Palestine Action in central London. At the same time, a pro-Palestine demonstration will be held at Manchester Cathedral.