UK Police to Arrest 'Globalise the Intifada' Chants Following Recent Attacks

Police Adopt Assertive Stance on Protest Chants

In a significant policy shift, London's Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, that they will now arrest individuals chanting 'globalise the intifada' or displaying placards bearing the phrase at protests. This decision, communicated in a joint statement by Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and GMP Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson, marks a more assertive approach to public order policing in the United Kingdom. The announcement was swiftly followed by initial arrests made at a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster, London, on the same evening.

'Changed Context' Cites Recent Terror Attacks

The police forces justified their recalibrated stance by citing a 'changed context' following recent terror attacks. Specifically mentioned were a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, December 15, 2025, which resulted in 15 fatalities, and a knife attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester on October 2, 2025, where two people died. The commissioners stated, 'Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed – words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests.'

Legal Basis and Enhanced Enforcement

The new approach will see officers utilizing powers under the Public Order Act. Frontline officers are being briefed on this 'enhanced approach,' which also includes implementing conditions around London synagogues during services. The police emphasized their intent to 'create a hostile environment for offenders and a safer environment for Jewish communities, while protecting lawful protest.' They also noted an intensification of investigations into hate crimes and increased protective security measures around Jewish community venues in both London and Greater Manchester.

Mixed Reactions to Policy Shift

The decision has drawn varied reactions. Jewish community organizations largely welcomed the move. The Community Security Trust stated the announcement came 'not a moment too soon,' particularly 'given the wave of terrorism against Jews around the world.' UK's Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called it 'an important step towards challenging the hateful rhetoric we have seen on our streets, which has inspired acts of violence and terror.' Conversely, pro-Palestinian campaigners have criticized the policy. Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), condemned it as 'political repression of protest for Palestinian rights,' arguing that the Arabic word 'intifada' means 'uprising' or 'resistance' and is not inherently a call for violence. The term 'intifada' itself refers to Palestinian uprisings against Israel, with its meaning often contested.