Just Why Didn't Police Stop Antisemitic Slur Beamed On Big Ben?
Daily Express|February 23, 2024
PRO-Palestine activists beamed a "genocidal" phrase on to Big Ben as police stood by.
Michael Knowles
Just Why Didn't Police Stop Antisemitic Slur Beamed On Big Ben?

Protesters projected words from the slogan, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free", which is widely seen as antisemitic.

The Met Police were later accused of "normalising aggressive and offensive acts" over the slur.

Thousands of activists had descended upon Parliament Square for a rally on Wednesday night. Andrew Percy, a Jewish MP, warned politicians: "For months, I've been standing up here talking about the people on our streets demanding death to Jews', demanding demanding intifadas [uprisings] as the police stand by and allow that to happen.

"Last night, a genocidal call of 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' was projected on to this building. That message says no Jew is welcome in the state of Israel or in that land. This is going to continue happening because we're not dealing with it."

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Blatant antisemitism should not be tolerated. The phrase is widely known to be a racist trope and so tolerating its projection on the walls of the Houses of Parliament is both deeply offensive and incendiary."

A former Cabinet minister added: "The indifference shown from the Met Police is damning as this lack of action is normalising aggressive and offensive acts and behaviour.

"The Met Police cannot stand back and shrug their shoulders when we know that Parliament, the home of our democracy, has granted the police all the powers they need to take action against such appalling acts."

Concerns

Suella Braverman once said the chant "From the river to the sea" become a "staple of had antisemitic discourse".

While Home Secretary, she also said the phrase was "widely understood as a demand for the destruction of Israel".

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DAILY EXPRESSView all
Sarina's tough on England
Daily Express

Sarina's tough on England

ENGLAND manager Sarina Wiegman is happy to make life uncomfortable for her players, as they attempt to force their way into her Euros team.

time-read
1 min  |
December 03, 2024
Dahl charity delivers a Marvellous day out
Daily Express

Dahl charity delivers a Marvellous day out

THE parents of a three-year-old boy who suffers a serious lifelong condition have told how a trip to Winter Wonderland made their family's Christmas.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 03, 2024
IN PAIN FROM MY HORSE FALL INJURY BUT I CAN STILL WALK HUSKIES
Daily Express

IN PAIN FROM MY HORSE FALL INJURY BUT I CAN STILL WALK HUSKIES

A DOGGY daycare boss who took a big husky for walks is being accused of lying about claims that a fall from a horse left her arm severely disabled.

time-read
1 min  |
December 03, 2024
Lucy Letby's parents asked hospital for meeting over their 'anguish'
Daily Express

Lucy Letby's parents asked hospital for meeting over their 'anguish'

LUCY Letby's \"anguished\" parents pleaded for a meeting with hospital bosses as police investigated their daughter, a public inquiry has heard.

time-read
1 min  |
December 03, 2024
We are dreading our next bill in a cold flat
Daily Express

We are dreading our next bill in a cold flat

ELLY Rosier, pictured, rents a flat in a Victorian conversion in London with her boyfriend. The couple are doing all they can to keep energy bills down.

time-read
1 min  |
December 03, 2024
Biden branded a hypocrite as he pardons his son
Daily Express

Biden branded a hypocrite as he pardons his son

President breaks pledge not to meddle

time-read
3 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Wills specialist loses own inheritance fight
Daily Express

Wills specialist loses own inheritance fight

A BARRISTER specialising in will disputes must pay more than £200,000 after losing a High Court inheritance battle with his brother.

time-read
1 min  |
December 03, 2024
I've finally retired from nursing at age of 95
Daily Express

I've finally retired from nursing at age of 95

A NURSE who started her healthcare career before the NHS was formed is finally retiring - aged 95.

time-read
1 min  |
December 03, 2024
Major breakthrough can give 20-year head start in tackling Alzheimer's
Daily Express

Major breakthrough can give 20-year head start in tackling Alzheimer's

ALZHEIMER'S could be detected up to 20 years before symptoms start to show thanks to a major breakthrough.

time-read
1 min  |
December 03, 2024
'Imagine having no one to even say hello to'
Daily Express

'Imagine having no one to even say hello to'

DAME Joanna Lumley is highlighting the plight of isolated older people across the country who face spending Christmas Day all alone.

time-read
1 min  |
December 03, 2024