Waving Palestinian Flag Could be Unlawful, Home Secretary Tells Police Chiefs

Suella Braverman urges police to crackdown on public support of Hamas but campaigners say her direction could have ‘chilling’ impact on free speech.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators hold placards as they gather to march in central London on May 22, 2021. Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images

Waving a Palestinian flag on British streets “may not be legitimate” if it is deemed to be a show of support for acts of terrorism, the home secretary has told police chiefs.

Suella Braverman has urged officers to use the “full force of the law” against shows of support for Hamas—including chants—as bids to intimidate the UK’s Jewish community in the wake of the attack on Israel.