Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suggested that some protests may need to be stopped in certain circumstances, citing concerns about their cumulative impact. He said it was time to examine protests 'across the board', particularly in response to repeated marches that members of the Jewish community have described as having a growing and harmful effect.

While stressing that he would strongly defend the right to peaceful protest and freedom of speech, Starmer said the government would consider what further powers might be required. He acknowledged that there are strong and legitimate views about the Middle East and Gaza, but said the repeated nature of some demonstrations must be addressed.

Calls for a temporary halt to protests have drawn criticism from campaign groups, the Green Party and Your Party, who argue that responses to attacks on Jews must not restrict civil liberties. In contrast, the Conservative Party and Reform have urged a tougher stance. Police in England and Wales already have powers to limit or ban marches in cases of serious public disorder, though outright bans require approval from the home secretary and are rarely used.