MPs Demand Met Chief Retract Antisemitism Smears Against Protesters

Prominent UK MPs, led by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, have demanded that Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley retract comments linking pro-Palestinian marches to antisemitism. Rowley claimed organizers of the upcoming Nakba 78 march intended to route demonstrators past a synagogue, suggesting this intent signaled antisemitism. However, a letter signed by 32 MPs and four Lords argues these claims are baseless, noting that the initial and secondary route suggestions submitted by organizers did not pass any synagogues. The signatories accuse the police of applying double standards, highlighting that a march led by far-right figure Tommy Robinson was permitted to assemble near multiple mosques on the same day. In response to Rowley’s remarks, the Palestine Coalition has filed a formal legal complaint with the London Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime. The controversy arises amidst broader debates on protest regulations, following calls by terrorism legislation reviewer Jonathan Hall KC for a temporary ban on pro-Palestine demonstrations. Corbyn emphasized that the protests are a rejection of government arms supplies to Israel and condemned attempts to malign the peace movement.