MPs demand pro-Gaza march is banned from starting near synagogue
A PRO-Gaza march must be banned from starting near a synagogue, more than 80 politicians have demanded.
In a stinging letter, MPs and peers yesterday implored Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley to use his powers to change the route of a Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest.
The National March for Palestine is set to kick off outside BBC headquarters in central London on Saturday, yards away from the Central Synagogue, which will be in service for the Sabbath.
Both Labour and Tory politicians have warned that Gaza protests have left the Jewish community feeling intimidated.
They wrote: “There are other routes which do not go close to synagogues and there is no reason the Met should not ensure protestors stick to these.”
Jewish Leadership Council’s Claudia Mendoza said: “We call on the Met Police to use its powers to move the start, to ensure the freedom to protest does not infringe on the rights of the Jewish community.”
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“We thank those parliamentarians who have publicly supported this call.”
Britain’s Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis warned there is “no justification” for the Met not to impose a full ban on Gaza marches moving just metres away from synagogues.
He said: “It is hard to see the absence of such a commitment as anything other than a failure of the Met’s duty to members of Jewish communities who no longer feel safe.”
Last year, arrests were made for racially aggravated offences and terrorism support at Gaza marches.
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The Met said it had asked the PSC to change the starting point and, if it refused, would consider imposing conditions.
A spokesperson said: “As we have shared with the PSC, it is our view that a protest forming up so close to that synagogue on a Saturday – the Jewish holy day – when congregants will be attending Shabbat services, risks causing serious disruption.
“In reaching this view we have taken into account the cumulative impact of this prolonged period of protest, often taking place on Saturdays and on numerous occasions in the vicinity of synagogues.
“We know this has been a cause of increased concern for many Jewish Londoners who have altered their plans, avoided parts of central London and reduced attendance at religious services.
“We are hopeful that the PSC will now alter their plans in light of our position, but should they wish to continue to use Portland Place as a form up point we will consider the use of Public Order Act conditions as appropriate.”
