🔗 Share this article UK's Top Security Official Calls Pro-Palestine Demonstrations Following Manchester Attack as 'Un-British' The home secretary has asserted that the decision by pro-Palestinian groups to go ahead with protests demanding an end to the fighting in Gaza following the recent deadly assault at a Jewish place of worship in Manchester was "deeply un-British". Shabana Mahmood also stated she would ask anyone thinking about attending similar protests to pause and reflect how they would feel if a close relative was murdered on the most important religious day of their faith. Event Particulars Made Public When additional details emerged about the assailant, identified by authorities as Jihad al-Shamie, the home secretary confirmed he was not on the radar of terror prevention police and had not been sent to the British Prevent initiative. Local authorities reported that a 53-year-old man and Melvin Cravitz, 66 were killed after the attacker struck a gathering of individuals outside the Jewish worship center before stabbing another man. Multiple victims were still in medical care while three other people taken into custody by authorities remained in detention. Increasing Tide of Anti-Jewish Sentiment The home secretary used a morning broadcast round to declare that Britain had experienced a "growing surge of anti-Jewish sentiment", adding that the administration would "not accept that" as she attempted to comfort the British Jews in the UK. Protection measures would be examined, she confirmed. Community Concerns and Government Response When asked about what some commentators had labeled as a environment of concern that British Jews have encountered, especially since last year's Middle East violence in 2023 and the beginning of the fighting in Gaza, she said there was "definitely great worry about events in the area but our main focus is making sure our citizens here at home are secure". Disappointment Over Ongoing Rallies Speaking about Palestinian-supporting rallies that proceeded on that evening, she commented, "It was deeply regrettable to see those demonstrations going ahead last night. I think that conduct is fundamentally contrary to our principles. I think it is dishonourable. I would have preferred those participants to just take a moment to reflect." "The issues that are driving those protests have been persisting for a while. They don't appear they are going to come to an end any time soon. They could have allowed a population that has experienced tragedy just a short period to process what has occurred," added the home secretary. Request to Demonstrators "To anybody who is thinking about going on a rally what I would advise is reflect on that is you who has had a loved one killed on the most sacred day of your beliefs," she added. "We can get back to your demonstration later. Just because you have the liberty to rally doesn't mean you must use it," said the home secretary. "I continue to urge people to show some empathy and some solidarity to the relatives of those who have been killed and to our Jewish community." Detentions and Planned Protests She confirmed that around 40 people had been taken into custody at the recent gatherings including some on charges of harming law enforcement. The spotlight has now moved to the city, where planners of protests urging a prohibition on a specific group to be lifted have declared they aim to continue with a planned action on the weekend.