Keir Starmer to crack down on pro-Palestine chants as he admits powers 'need to go further'

Sir Keir has called for "a conversation" with police forces about "the way in which these [protests] are being policed".

The Prime Minister said he will work with Jewish community leaders to make them feel safe.

Sir Keir's announcement follows several demonstrations seen across university campuses yesterday, with some chanting "intifada" and "Israel is Arab".

Activists demonstrated despite calls from numerous MPs urging them not to.

Speaking to reporters in India while on a trade mission, Mr Starmer said there were "actions that we need to take" in light of the protests.

He said he has already asked Ms Mahmood to examine the "cumulative impact of the protests".

Sir Keir continued: "I've asked the Home Secretary to look more broadly at what other powers are available, how they're being used, and whether they should be changed in any way.

"I think we need to go further than that in relation to some of the chants that are going on at some of those protests."

The Prime Minister added that "operational matters are very much a matter for the police", and that "there's only so much the Government can do".

He continued: "I do think we need to have a conversation with worthwhile police forces about the way in which these are being policed and what measures can be taken.

"That has to be part of the review that we carry into what powers do we have and how they're being exercised, and then the question of do any of these powers therefore need to be changed or enhanced?

"And that's the exercise we're going through. But we are talking at length to leaders of the Jewish community about this, as you would expect."

Among the chants yesterday were: "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free", which some consider to be antisemitic, believing it calls for the eradication of Israel.

Around 500 people attended an inter-university protest from the Strand to Russell Square in London, and up to 100 students attended a protest in Sheffield.

The organiser from the Revolutionary Communist Society said they "could not give a damn" if Sir Keir called the event "un-British".

Dozens gathered in Edinburgh with signs from the Socialist Worker reading "Starmer has blood on his hands" and "Freedom for Palestine".

A non-student event in South Manchester gathered around 300 people, including one activist holding a sign saying: "On Oct 7, Israel killed its own people and covered it up to justify genocide."

Vigils have been planned across the UK today in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh to mark two years since the attacks.