MPs have condemned a controversial pro-Palestine chant “from the river to the sea” that was projected onto Big Ben on Wednesday.
Beneath the slogan, thousands of pro-Palestine campaigners gathered outside the Houses of Parliaments whilst MPs engaged in a chaotic debate over a Gaza ceasefire.
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police assessed the incident and decided it did not constitute an offence.
However, not all MPs have sided with the force’s assessment.
MPs have slammed a slogan that was projected onto the side of Big Ben
Getty/Campaign Against Antisemitism
On Thursday, MPs spoke out about the rising wave of antisemitism and warned threats from "Islamic extremists” were oppressing democracy.
Andrew Percy, a Conservative backbencher, voiced concerns about the “genocidal call”.
Speaking to the Commons, Percy said he feels safer in Israel than he does in the UK.
He said: “Last night, a genocidal call that 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' was projected onto this building, that message says no Jew is welcome in the state of Israel.
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A Conservative backbencher voiced concerns about the 'genocidal call'
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“This is going to continue happening because we're not dealing with it.
“Can the leader explain to me, what will be any different and how will members vote with their hearts and their consciences, because too many will not at the moment.”
Robert Jennick, a former immigration minister, added: “We have allowed our streets to be dominated by Islamist extremists, and British Jews and others to be too intimidated to walk through central London week after week.
“Now we’re allowing Islamist extremists to intimidate British Members of Parliament. This is wrong. It has to stop.”
Israeli culture minister Micki Zohar said: "This kind of behaviour is a disgrace and it's disappointing it wasn't stopped by the authorities. I hope that these types of protests that call for Israel to be destroyed are stopped."
Thousands gathered to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, whilst MPs debated the matter in the Commons
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A Met Police spokesman said: “This is a chant that has been frequently heard at pro-Palestinian demonstrations for many years, and we are very aware of the strength of feeling in relation to it.
“While there are scenarios where chanting or using these words could be unlawful depending on the specific location or context, its use in a wider public protest setting, such as last night, is not a criminal offence.”
People need permission from both the Commons Speaker and Westminster City Council planners to legally project onto the side of the Houses of Parliament.
Former Tory chairman of the Commons administration committee Sir Paul Beresford told the Evening Standard: "Everybody knows Big Ben and we don't want it besmirched with graffiti, even if it's light-placed graffiti.
"Please respect the building, its importance and the fact that it's internationally loved."
