U.K Police Crackdown on THREE Arab Words – No More!

Protesters with flags and signs, one holding a megaphone.

UK police forces now promise arrests for protesters chanting “globalise the intifada,” marking a dramatic shift from previous tolerance to criminal enforcement triggered by a deadly terror attack on Jewish celebrants halfway around the world.

Story Snapshot

Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police announce arrests for “globalise the intifada” chants following Sydney terror attack
15 people killed in Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration shooting, suspect charged with terrorism offenses
Police claim “context has changed” requiring more assertive approach to protest speech
Over 2,700 Palestine solidarity protesters already arrested since July 2025 under terrorism-related charges
Jewish community groups welcome crackdown while civil liberties organizations warn of free speech erosion

Terror Attack Triggers Policy Reversal

The Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police issued a joint statement declaring that protesters using “globalise the intifada” at demonstrations should expect arrest. This represents a complete reversal from previous guidance, where the Crown Prosecution Service advised police that such chants did not meet criminal prosecution thresholds. The policy shift came directly after gunmen killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney’s Bondi Beach area.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson announced they are “recalibrating to be more assertive” in response to what they describe as an escalating threat context. Frontline officers will receive briefings on the enhanced approach, with Public Order Act powers deployed around synagogues during services.

The Battle Over Words and Meaning

The chant “globalise the intifada” sits at the center of a fierce interpretive dispute. Jewish security organizations and community leaders view it as incitement to violence, pointing to the Arabic word “intifada” and its association with Palestinian uprisings that included suicide bombings and armed attacks against Israeli civilians during the First and Second Intifadas.

Pro-Palestine protesters counter that “intifada” literally means “to shake off” and represents resistance to colonial domination through various means, not necessarily violent ones. The Community Security Trust welcomed the arrest policy as addressing “intolerable” calls for global violence against Jews, while civil liberties groups see it as political repression of solidarity movements.

Mass Arrests Already Underway

The new intifada arrest policy emerges from an already intensive crackdown on Palestine-related activism. Since July 2025, UK authorities have arrested over 2,700 people at protests opposing the government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. Between November 18-29 alone, police arrested more than 600 peaceful protesters organized by the Defend Our Juries network.

Around 254 protesters now face terrorism-related charges, often for peaceful expression such as displaying signs reading “I Oppose Genocide. I Support Palestine Action.” Amnesty International argues this represents unlawful use of terrorism legislation against peaceful protesters, violating fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly.