Rishi Sunak Claims 'Mob Rule Replacing Democracy' In UK Amid Rise In Pro-Palestine Protests

rishi sunak claims ‘mob rule replacing democracy’ in uk amid rise in pro-palestine protests

London: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has claimed that Britain is descending into “mob rule”. The remarks from the British PM come after he announced a new crackdown on protests regarding the war in Gaza.

Speaking to police chiefs on Wednesday, Rishi Sunak stated that “there is a growing consensus that mob rule is replacing democratic rule.”

“And we’ve got to collectively, all of us, change that urgently,” he added.

During his address to the top police officials, the Indian-origin prime minister did not single out any group, but his comments come amid a rise in pro-Palestine protests across the UK.

As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, several UK MPs are fearing for their lives and safety due to a number of pro-Palestine demonstrations outside their homes. The MPs have also claimed an increase in death threats.

Rishi Sunak urged the police to do more in order to protect the country’s democracy. Moments before his meeting with the police chiefs, the UK Interior Ministry announced funding worth 31 Million pounds to provide additional security to lawmakers and other officials.

“We simply cannot allow this pattern of increasingly violent and intimidatory behaviour which is, as far as anyone can see, intended to shout down free debate and stop elected representatives from doing their job. That is simply undemocratic,” the UK PM stated further.

Sunak also introduced the “Defending Democracy Policing Protocol,” which urges police bosses to use existing powers to crack down on protests that “cross a line”, especially those which take place outside the homes of lawmakers.

“Protests at the home addresses of elected representatives, including MPs and councillors, should generally be considered to be intimidatory, and the police have adequate powers, including Section 42 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, to direct protestors away,” states the protocol.

As per Amnesty International’s UK wing, Sunak’s claims of “mob rule” are “wildly exaggerated”. “Talk of ‘mob rule’ wildly exaggerates the issue and risks delegitimizing the rights of peaceful protest,” stated Tom Southerden, Amnesty’s U.K.’s law and human rights director.