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‘No need’ for more Gaza marches if ceasefire holds, says London mayor
Sir Sadiq Khan also remarked on the increase of antisemitism since October 7
January 28, 2025 15:03
Sir Sadiq Khan also remarked on the increase of antisemitism since October 7
January 28, 2025 15:03There will be “no need” for the pro-Palestine marches in London to continue if the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas proves permanent, Sir Sadiq Khan has said.
The London mayor admitted that he has Jewish friends, colleagues and constituents who have been “frightened” to enter the city centre on a Saturday due to the demonstrations, the latest of which saw more than 70 arrests.
Khan said he was “angry” and “distressed” knowing that Jews don’t feel safe to walk about the city he runs on march days due to fears about antisemitism.
The comments were made during the mayor’s trip to Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
It comes after the Metropolitan Police arrested 77 people at the most recent Palestine Solidarity Campaign march, on January 18, after demonstrators allegedly breached protest conditions. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his erstwhile shadow chancellor John McDonnell were interviewed under police caution in connection with the disorder.
Speaking to The Standard, Sir Sadiq said: “I’m hoping that the ceasefire bears fruit.
“I have been calling for a ceasefire for some time now. I’m really pleased that a number of other hostages will be released before Friday.”
Three Israeli hostages, including the civilian Arbel Yehoud, are set to be released on Thursday, and three more captives will follow on Saturday.
The mayor went on: “I’m really pleased there appears to be a reduction in the killing in Gaza and Lebanon. We want to see that [reduction] continue. Cleary if the ceasefire [deal] leads to a permanent ceasefire there is no need for the marches.
“I have Jewish friends, colleagues and constituents who are frightened on a Saturday to come into the centre of our city for no other reason than because they are Jewish.
“There has been a rise in antisemitism. There is a phrase that those of us who aren’t Jewish need to understand – it’s called ‘heightened fear’.
“It’s the experience you have as somebody who is Jewish, because of antisemitism and the fear of what people may say and do. I’m afraid we have seen since October 7 an increase in antisemitism.
“It makes me angry and distressed that there are Londoners who can’t go around our city because they are worried about being at the receiving end of antisemitism.”
Khan also made it clear that he supports the right to protest — a right “that the Allies were fighting for” during World War Two — but that demonstrations shouldn’t come at the expense of causing “distress and harm and fear to your neighbours”.
“It is possible to protest in a way that is peaceful, lawful and safe,” he added.