Background: A tense anniversary on UK campuses
As the UK marks the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel, university leaders are warning students that expressing support for a terrorist organisation could constitute a criminal offence. The reminder comes as a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations is planned on or near campuses, with events described as vigils, rallies and debates. The aim, says Universities UK (UUK), is to balance free expression with legal boundaries and campus safety during a period already flagged as a potential flashpoint.
The legal warning for students
UUK’s communications to vice-chancellors emphasise that universities must uphold free speech while also ensuring participants are aware of the law. Vivienne Stern, UUK’s chief executive, stated that “expressing support for a terrorist organisation is a criminal offence,” and urged campuses to review security arrangements and provide clear reporting channels for antisemitic or threatening behaviour. The message reflects concerns following an antisemitic incident near Manchester, reinforcing the need for careful planning around events that could be construed as endorsing extremism.
Planned protests across the UK
Organisers have advertised several events tied to 7 October. In London, an “inter-university march” is described as spanning multiple institutions, including King’s College London, the London School of Economics, University College London and SOAS. The route is planned to pass through central campuses, with a 2pm class walkout as a focal point of the protest. Elsewhere, the University of Sheffield hosts a “rally for Palestine” organized by the Revolutionary Communist Party, while Strathclyde University sees a “Protest 4 Palestine” organized by the Palestine Solidarity Society. At King’s College London, a student group called Students for Justice for Palestine is hosting an evening debate titled “Why it didn’t start on October 7th.”
Balancing free speech and safety on campus
Universities face a delicate task: safeguarding free expression while preventing the glorification of violence and safeguarding Jewish students and staff. Stern highlighted a “deeply concerning” rise in antisemitic incidents over the last two years and urged leaders to maintain contact with Jewish student groups, publicise reporting mechanisms and collaborate with safety bodies such as the Community Security Trust and the Union of Jewish Students. The aim is not to suppress dissent but to deter rhetoric that could incite hatred or invite violence.
Voices from student bodies and political leaders
Louis Danker, president of the Union of Jewish Students, underscored the need for lawful protest and for spaces where mourning and reflection are possible. He argued that some demonstrations have been used to justify or glamorize the Hamas attacks—a stance he said clashes with the experiences and safety concerns of Jewish students. Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined the discourse by calling protests on and around 7 October “un-British” if they involve calls for the murder of Jewish people, urging a respectful, lawful approach to the anniversary. His column in The Times framed the issue as a test of national character, urging empathy and restraint while allowing legitimate expression of views within the bounds of the law.
Law enforcement and security considerations
London police have recently arrested hundreds at protests related to Palestine activism, underscoring the heightened security environment. Scotland Yard and partner agencies are monitoring planned campus events for potential disruption or violence, while universities encourage adherence to local guidelines and policing plans. Institutions are urged to keep lines of communication open with student unions and campus security to rapidly address concerns about antisemitism or intimidation.
What students should know
Students planning to participate should: understand the red lines around endorsing or supporting a proscribed organisation; stay informed about campus security updates; and report any harassment or intimidation promptly. Universities also reiterate that peaceful, lawful protest remains a cornerstone of academic life, and that campus leadership will continue to support safe, inclusive dialogue even amid strong disagreements.
