Pro-Palestinian activists demand incoming British PM Burnham increase pressure on Israel

Thousands of anti-Israel activists rallied in London on Saturday, demanding that incoming British Prime Minister Andy Burnham adopt a tougher stance against Israel. The Palestine Coalition organized the National March for Palestine ahead of Burnham's scheduled arrival at Downing Street on Monday to assume office.

The demonstration was intended to pressure Burnham to break with the policies of outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and adopt stronger measures against Israel, including sanctions, an arms embargo, and expanded diplomatic pressure.

The campaign organizers said the march "sent a powerful message to the next Prime Minister to stand up for Palestine and take all possible action to end Israel's genocide."

"If he wants to break with Starmer's shameful legacy, he must start imposing wide-ranging sanctions against Israel including a full arms embargo, an end to military cooperation and diplomatic support, and a total ban on all trade that aids or assists Israel's atrocities and violations of international law," the Palestine Solidarity Campaign stated.

Videos from the rally showed demonstrators carrying Palestinian Authority and Iranian regime flags alongside signs reading "Hands Off Iran" and "Stop the Genocide." Protesters also chanted anti-Israel slogans including "babykillers," "Israel is a terror state," and "Zionists are not welcome here."

The rally also featured explicit antisemitic imagery. At least one protester, dressed in striped pajamas resembling those worn by Jewish prisoners at Auschwitz, held a sign reading, "Netanyahu, why don't you just gas us?"

Members of the fringe ultra-Orthodox Jewish Neturei Karta sect also participated in the rally, holding signs stating, "Judaism condemns the state of Israel" and "Rabbis always opposed Zionism."

Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the far-left Green Party, also issued a warning to Burnham.

"We're watching, we're going to make sure that we keep you held to account. Mealy-mouthed words aren't good enough."

The Metropolitan Police arrested at least eight people on suspicion of assault and racially aggravated public order offenses.

"As always, conspiracy-laden signs and banners littered London," the Campaign Against Antisemitism stated, noting that classic antisemitic tropes are increasingly being expressed through anti-Zionist rhetoric.

"Zionist ‘control’ of British politicians was a common theme, with numerous public figures targeted. Accusing Jews of controlling politicians is an age-old trope. In 2026, just use the word ‘Zionist’ instead, and nothing will happen to you."

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer recognized a Palestinian state in 2025, and his administration frequently criticized Israel's military campaign against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza. Nevertheless, anti-Israel activists continued to criticize Starmer for failing to adopt harsher measures against the Jewish state, including broader boycotts.

Earlier this month, Burnham signaled that a future government under his leadership would take a tougher approach toward Israel, arguing that the United Kingdom should "do more" to increase pressure on Jerusalem.

"I know many people feel that at the start of Israel's military action in Gaza my party didn't get it right and I am sorry about that. The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better," Burnham said in an interview with The Guardian. "We've got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government," he stressed.