Palestine protesters urge Andy Burnham to act on Israel
Protesters Rally in Central London Demanding Stronger Stance on Israel
Palestine protesters urge Andy Burnham to act - Thousands of demonstrators advocating for Palestine gathered in the heart of London on Saturday, participating in a coordinated march that called for Andy Burnham to adopt a firm position regarding Israel's actions. The National March for Palestine saw a significant deployment of uniformed police officers, with the Metropolitan Police implementing rigorous conditions under the Public Order Act to minimize disruption to local residents.
The procession, organized by the Palestine Coalition, began at Russell Square and concluded in Westminster. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn positioned himself at the forefront of the gathering as it progressed through central London. Addressing the crowd, Corbyn delivered a direct message to Mr Burnham, who is anticipated to assume the role of prime minister on Monday.
"Your country is involved in supporting the acts of genocide – stop it, change it and shut the arms supply to Israel," Corbyn declared to the assembled protesters.
Police presence was notable throughout the event, with officers responding to a smaller counter-demonstration near The Strand. According to a force spokesperson, eight individuals were arrested for various infractions, including assault and racially aggravated public order violations. Prior to this, demonstrators moved through the entertainment district, vocalizing messages to shoppers that emphasized the ongoing conflict: "while you are shopping – bombs are dropping."
Corbyn's Message to the New Labour Leader
At a subsequent rally in Whitehall, situated close to Downing Street, Mr Corbyn expressed his view that Israel warrants the most severe sanctions available due to its conduct. He acknowledged Mr Burnham's recent appointment but emphasized the enduring commitment of millions of citizens who have demonstrated for Palestinian rights over many years.
"I hope he (Mr Burnham) recognises that millions of us in this country have marched for years in support of the Palestinian people and, he must know this, that for as many years as it takes we will carry on marching for the Palestinian people," Corbyn stated.
He continued by asserting that the movement would remain persistent: "We will never shut up. We will never go away. We will never give up because the Palestinian people demand that."
Banners and Demonstrator Messages
Many participants carried Palestinian flags alongside handmade placards expressing various concerns. Common messages included calls to "Stop stealing Palestinian land," demands to "Stop the pogroms in the West Bank now," and declarations that "It's not a crime to act against genocide." Additional signage featured slogans such as "Hands off Gaza," "Stop starving Gaza," and straightforward appeals for a "Ceasefire now."
The march was accompanied by rhythmic drumming and vocalizations of "free our prisoners now" from the crowd.
Burnham's Position and Green Party Response
Mr Burnham had previously acknowledged shortcomings in his party's approach, stating last week: "my party didn't get it right and I am sorry about that" while pledging to improve their strategy. The Makerfield MP criticized the UK's delayed response in calling for a ceasefire and advocated for additional sanctions. In a social media video, he proposed measures to prohibit trade with illegal settlements and called for clear criticism of events in Gaza, while also condemning Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack and subsequent antisemitic incidents in Britain.
Notably, Mr Burnham avoided directly accusing Israel of genocide, a position taken by some Labour MPs. He acknowledged "increasing evidence that war crimes appear to have been committed" but suggested such determinations should rest with international courts rather than political figures.
Labor's initial reluctance to demand an immediate ceasefire had attracted considerable criticism, contributing to a notable shift of younger voters toward the Green Party. Mothin Ali, the Green Party's co-deputy leader, addressed the Whitehall rally, asserting that "mealy-mouthed words aren't good enough" from Mr Burnham. He urged the new leader to end all arms sales to Israel, halt complicity in what he termed genocide, stop spy flights, and withdraw support for the IDF.
"Look at the numbers of people on these streets. We will continue to march. We will continue to raise our voices and we will continue to make sure you stay on track," Ali emphasized.
As the march progressed, elderly supporters gathered beneath a banner reading "Holocaust survivor descendants against Gaza genocide" received warm applause. Among them was 75-year-old Miranda Pinch from Hampshire, who held a photograph of her mother, Claudia Rosoux, who had arrived in Britain as a Czechoslovakian refugee in 1938. Ms Pinch shared that her mother had passed away "ashamed of Israel's actions in her name," expressing bitter opposition to what was being done to the Palestinian people.