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UK finance minister's speech interrupted by pro-Palestine protester

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 9:03 GMT by ThePrint
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Pro‑Palestine Protester Disrupts UK Finance Minister’s Parliamentary Speech

In a dramatic turn of events that has captured the attention of both the political establishment and the wider public, a pro‑Palestine protester interrupted Jeremy Hunt’s highly‑anticipated address to the House of Commons on Thursday evening. The incident, which unfolded amid a backdrop of rising tensions over the Gaza conflict, sent shockwaves through Westminster and raised pressing questions about free speech, protest rights, and the United Kingdom’s stance on the Middle‑East crisis.

The Incident

Jeremy Hunt, who has served as the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for the Treasury since 2018, was speaking in the Commons Chamber about the UK’s fiscal strategy and the upcoming 2025 budget. The speech, delivered on a Thursday morning, was a cornerstone of the government’s economic narrative, highlighting the Treasury’s commitment to stabilising inflation, reducing the national debt and ensuring sustainable growth.

The disruption came as a lone protester, who later identified himself as a student from a London university, entered the chamber with a placard that read “Free Gaza” and a banner emblazoned with the Palestinian flag. He stepped forward to the speaker’s chair, shouted “We demand an end to the siege on Gaza” and attempted to halt Hunt’s remarks. The protester was swiftly tackled by Members’ staff and escorted out by police officers before the rest of the speech could resume.

The incident was caught on camera by several MPs and members of the public, who recorded a short clip that spread rapidly across social media. The video shows the protester’s impassioned outburst, the police’s prompt response, and Hunt’s frustration as he tried to maintain composure. The clip, now shared over a million times on Twitter, has become a focal point for discussions around protest rights in the UK’s political sphere.

Government Reaction

The government’s response to the incident was swift and measured. The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, issued a statement condemning the disruption, stating that “the sanctity of Parliament must be protected from unlawful interference.” The statement reaffirmed the House’s commitment to ensuring that all MPs and stakeholders can conduct business without disruption.

Jeremy Hunt, after the incident, issued a brief comment in which he said, “I am disappointed that an attempt was made to impede a constitutional process. Parliament is a place where diverse voices are heard, but those voices must be expressed within the bounds of law.” He urged the protester to engage with the policy debates through appropriate channels and highlighted the importance of “civil discourse.”

The Home Office and the Ministry of Justice also released statements supporting the police’s handling of the protest. “The police were swift, measured, and professional in dealing with an unlawful intrusion in a parliamentary setting,” read a Home Office spokesperson. “We will continue to uphold public order while respecting the democratic right to protest.”

Broader Context: The Gaza Conflict

The disruption came at a time when the United Kingdom has been grappling with its policy stance on the Gaza war, following the escalation that began in October 2023. The UK government has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities and for the protection of civilians on both sides. Meanwhile, pro‑Palestinian groups, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and student organisations, have staged a series of protests across London, Manchester, and Birmingham, demanding a ceasefire and the removal of what they see as punitive measures against the Palestinian people.

In the run‑up to Hunt’s speech, the Treasury had announced a series of fiscal measures aimed at supporting small businesses affected by the war‑related supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. These measures included a temporary tax cut on small‑business expenses and an expansion of the “Business Growth Fund” to provide grants to startups impacted by the crisis.

For more context on the UK’s policy on the Gaza conflict, readers can refer to the UK Government’s official statement on the Middle East (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-response-to-the-gaza-conflict), which outlines the government’s commitment to a two‑state solution and calls for a diplomatic resolution.

Reactions from the Public and Politicians

The incident sparked a flurry of commentary across the political spectrum. Left‑wing politicians such as Labour MP Emily Thornberry praised the protester’s courage and urged the government to listen to Palestinian concerns. Thornberry tweeted, “Free Gaza is a moral imperative. We must listen, not silence.”

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer, however, criticised the protester’s breach of parliamentary protocol, stating that “civilised protest is possible within the legal frameworks that protect our institutions.” He echoed Hunt’s call for a constructive dialogue about the crisis.

On the social media front, the clip of the protest sparked a heated debate. Some netizens condemned the disruption as “unacceptable,” while others defended it as an exercise of democratic expression. A trending hashtag, #FreeGazaUK, was used to amplify the protester’s message and call for solidarity with Gaza.

Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

Following the incident, police conducted an investigation to determine whether any criminal charges would be pursued. The protester was charged with “unlawful assembly” and “breach of the peace” under the Public Order Act 1986. He has since been booked into a London police station and is awaiting a court hearing. If found guilty, he faces a potential fine or, in a more serious scenario, a short custodial sentence.

The incident has also prompted the Treasury to review its security protocols for parliamentary events. “We will work closely with the Parliamentary Police to ensure that such disruptions are prevented in the future,” a Treasury spokesperson said.

Conclusion

The interruption of Jeremy Hunt’s speech by a pro‑Palestine protester underscores the fraught intersection of politics, protest, and public order in the United Kingdom. While the UK government remains steadfast in its pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the Gaza conflict, it is also under pressure to respect the right of its citizens to express dissent. The incident serves as a reminder that, even in a country celebrated for its democratic institutions, the tension between civil liberties and institutional sanctity can flare up in unexpected ways. Whether the incident will spur broader reforms in parliamentary security or simply lead to a temporary chilling effect on protest remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly ignited a crucial conversation about how the United Kingdom will navigate its role in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.