Prime Minister says extremists are "trying to tear us apart" in address
Rishi Sunak addressed the nation in a special news conference on Friday
Last updated 2nd Mar 2024
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that democracy is being threatened by extremists who are "trying to tear us apart".
The Prime Minister was addressing the media and the country at a special conference held on Friday evening (March 1st).
Speaking from a lectern outside 10 Downing Street, Sunak gave viewers a stark warning on the current situation in Britain, as the war between Israel and Hamas goes on.
He also described the victory of former Labour politician George Galloway in the Rochdale by-election was "beyond alarming".
In his address, he echoed growing sentiments of fear that have come to dominate Parliament in the last few weeks: "In recent weeks and months, we have seen a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality.
"What started as protests on our streets have descended into intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence.
"Jewish children, fearful to wear their school uniform lest it reveals their identity. Muslim women abused in the street for the actions of a terrorist group they have no connection with."
The Prime Minister then said that democracy was the next so-called "target", with local meetings and events being "stormed" by protestors across the UK.
"MPs do not feel safe in their homes. Long-standing parliamentary conventions have been upended because of safety concerns," he added.
Following his speech, Galloway - who was targeted by Sunak in his speech - said that the conference was a "political statement" from a politician at the end of his leadership, which came after the Tories were "crushed" in the Rochdale by-election.
The address from Rishi said that lines should be drawn so that while protestors can peacefully demonstrate, "march and protest with passion" to support Gaza, those taking to the street "cannot call for violent jihad".
He added that he had met with senior police chiefs to tell them that members of the public expected the demonstrations that were pro-Palestine were to be policed and not simply managed.
Addressing police forces directly, Sunak said: "We will back you when you take action." He added that police actions will be bolstered by Government support.
Labour leader, Sir Kier Starmer, appeared to follow in the Prime Minister's calls when asked about what he made of the speech.
In a statement released after the conference, Kier said: "The Prime Minister is right to advocate unity and to condemn the unacceptable and intimidatory behaviour that we have seen recently.
"Citizens have a right to go about their business without intimidation and elected representatives should be able to do their jobs and cast their votes without fear or favour."