Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters took to the streets of London on Saturday to demand new Prime Minister Andy Burnham take a harsher stance on Israel.
The National March for Palestine was organized by the Palestine Coalition ahead of Burnham's entrance to Downing Street on Monday.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign said the march “sent a powerful message to the next Prime Minister to stand up for Palestine and take all possible action to end Israel’s genocide.”
"If he wants to break with Starmer's shameful legacy, he must start imposing wide-ranging sanctions against Israel including a full arms embargo, an end to military cooperation and diplomatic support, and a total ban on all trade that aids or assists Israel's atrocities and violations of international law," PSC continued.
The organizing groups also demanded Burnham reverse governmental restrictions on groups such as Palestine Action.
Protesters call for sanctions on Israel
Videos from the march showed hundreds of Palestinian and Iranian regime flags, along with posters calling for 'Hands Off Iran' and 'Stop the Genocide.' There were also chants of "babykillers," "Zionists are not welcome here," and "Israel is a terror state."
In a particularly controversial display, one individual dressed in striped pajamas - reminiscent of those worn by Jewish prisoners in Auschwitz - held a poster that read,' Netanyahu, why don't you just gas us?'
A small group of Neturei Karta Jews also joined the protest, with posters claiming "Judaism condemns the state of Israel" and "Rabbis always opposed Zionism."
Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali warned Burnham: "We're watching, we're going to make sure that we keep you held to account. Mealy-mouthed words aren't good enough."
London's Metropolitan Police confirmed that there were eight arrests for a range of offenses including assault and racially aggravated public order offenses.
Metropolitan Police make eight arrests
"As always, conspiracy-laden signs and banners littered London," said Campaign Against Antisemitism.
"Zionist ‘control’ of British politicians was a common theme, with numerous public figures targeted. Accusing Jews of controlling politicians is an age-old trope. In 2026, just use the word ‘Zionist’ instead, and nothing will happen to you."
"We would say that hate has no place on Britain’s streets, but clearly it does."
Last week, Burnham told the Guardian that he was sorry for Labor’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, saying, “I know many people feel that at the start of Israel’s military action in Gaza my party didn’t get it right and I am sorry about that. The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better."
Burnham pledges tougher stance on Israel
He said that he would put more pressure on the Israeli government, including through further sanctions.
“We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government… Yes, we have taken some important steps… But let’s be honest, the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire. And we must now do more to strengthen our approach.”