Claim 8755f500Checked 21 Jul 2026
Partly True/FalseOn the truth scale
“Regular hate marches have been seen on the streets.”
—Bob BlackmanConservativeCon / Harrow East·Engagements·03 Jun 2026Factual · historical current chronological
Reasoning & Evidence21 Jul 2026
The claim contains two components: (1) that marches have occurred regularly on UK streets, and (2) that they are properly characterised as "hate marches."
On regularity: This is well-established. Multiple sources confirm that since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, regular (initially near-weekly) pro-Palestinian marches have taken place in London and other UK cities. The BBC described "regular pro-Palestinian marches" in London. The Guardian characterised the demonstrations as "one of the biggest protest movements in recent British history," noting they began "days after the 7 October attack in 2023 and have continued weekly." By the time of the speech (June 2026), the CST's 2025 report confirms "Anti-Israel protests have persisted."
On the "hate marches" characterisation: This is more contested. On one hand, there is documented evidence of antisemitic behaviour at or near these protests. The Chief Rabbi (Sir Ephraim Mirvis) referenced "hateful chants often heard at such anti-Israel demonstrations, such as calls for a Palestinian state 'from the river to the sea' and for a 'global intifada.'" The Community Security Trust (CST) recorded at least 47 antisemitic incidents in Westminster alone that took place "at, or in transit to or from, anti-Israel demonstrations or vigils." The UK's counter-extremism commissioner Robin Simcox warned that London had become a "no-go zone for Jews every weekend" during the marches.
On the other hand, the Metropolitan Police and multiple observers have repeatedly described the marches as largely peaceful, with a small minority responsible for criminal behaviour. Protest organisers, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, have emphasised the peaceful nature of the demonstrations and pointed out that Jewish participants have been among the marchers. A senior rabbi (Jonathan Wittenberg of Masorti Judaism UK) described the demonstrations as "partly" pro-Palestinian but with "very minute, more radical elements at heart."
Assessment: The factual core — that regular marches have taken place on UK streets since October 2023 — is indisputably true and well-documented. However, the blanket label "hate marches" is a political characterisation that is contested. While antisemitic incidents and hateful chanting have been documented at these events, the evidence also indicates that the majority of participants have been peaceful, and that the marches have been described by police as largely lawful. The claim as phrased presents a contested political characterisation as established fact, without acknowledging that the marches have been predominantly peaceful despite documented instances of hate speech and antisemitic behaviour by a minority.
Sources: BBC News — "Adviser warns London a 'no-go zone for Jews every weekend'" (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68508351); BBC News — "Met Police: Commissioner faces call to resign over protest row" (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4n19j892neo); The Guardian — "More than 70 arrested at London protest against Israel's war in Gaza" (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/18/london-protest-israel-gaza-war-arrests); Community Security Trust — "Antisemitic Incidents Report 2025" (https://cst.org.uk/research/cst-publications/antisemitic-incidents-report-2025); Community Security Trust — "Antisemitic Incidents 2024" (https://cst.org.uk/research/cst-publications/antisemitic-incidents-2024); World Israel News — "London police failing to protect Jews, says UK's chief rabbi" (https://worldisraelnews.com/london-police-failing-to-protect-jews-says-uks-chief-rabbi/); BBC News — "Thousands attend pro-Palestinian rally in London" (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0l34kpv51o)
From speech
Q9. I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to combat antisemitism, but the regular hate marches we have seen on our streets with the chanting of “globalise the intifada” have led directly to attacks on Jewish businesses, synagogues and individuals in the streets, and now to an arson attack on where Jewish people live. The Jewish people of our country now want to see action, not warm words. Will the Prime Minister therefore commit to the type of action that we need to expel students from overseas who commit antisemitic acts? Will he take action to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps? Will he take action to close down the 13 Iran-sponsored charities in this country that spread antisemitism? Will he also take action to ensure that all children are taught the horrors of the Holocaust, the importance of not expressing hatred towards one another, and the true history of the founding of the state of Israel? The Jewish people of this country want to feel safe on our streets, in their homes and in our country, so will the Prime Minister take the appropriate action?
Sources opened
| [1] | bbc.co.uk |
| [2] | bbc.com |
| [3] | worldisraelnews.com |
| [4] | bbc.com |
| [5] | theguardian.com |
| [6] | cst.org.uk |
| [7] | cst.org.uk |
| [8] | cst.org.uk |
| [9] | cst.org.uk |
| [10] | cst.org.uk |