Police Refuse to Investigate Brighton Activists Promoting Israeli Boycott
Sussex Police have announced they will not open an investigation into activists who are going door-to-door in Brighton, asking residents to stop purchasing Israeli goods. This decision follows a report by Sky News that documented the activists' efforts to establish what they term an "apartheid-free zone" in the city.
Political Pressure and Police Response
Brighton MP and cabinet minister Peter Kyle had previously urged the police to investigate the group for alleged hate crimes and breaches of incitement laws, stating emphatically that "it should not be happening." However, the police force responded by saying, "at this time, there is no evidence of criminal activity," effectively dismissing the call for a probe.
In a separate development, Labour MP Mark Sewards, who chairs Labour Friends of Israel, has written a letter to Green Party MP Sian Berry, condemning the activists' actions as "dangerous, divisive, and intimidatory." He urged her to join him in "publicly condemning these tactics and urging the organisers to immediately call off this nefarious campaign."
Activists' Campaign and Community Concerns
The activists, as shown in a Sky News report by communities correspondent Lisa Holland, are targeting homes in Brighton with a list of addresses, encouraging a boycott of Israeli products. Campaigner Seymour, one of the volunteers, defended their approach, stating they are not antisemitic but anti-zionist. He explained, "It might be uncomfortable, but it's only a one-on-one conversation. We're very polite at the door. Whatever someone's background is, we treat them like anyone else."
However, Mr. Sewards highlighted significant concerns in his letter, citing data from the Community Security Trust, a Jewish charity. The figures reveal that last year saw the second-highest number of antisemitic incidents on record, with Sussex ranking as the sixth-highest police region for such incidents in the UK in 2025. He argued that against this backdrop, the campaign is "insensitive, inflammatory, and highly irresponsible," potentially intimidating the local Jewish community.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Ms. Berry, the Brighton Pavilion MP, responded to the concerns by stating she is taking them "seriously." She acknowledged that some residents might find the door-to-door tactic "confrontational or worrying," even as she believes the campaigners are "well intentioned." She emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom for people to engage on global issues proportionately, while also recognizing the legitimacy of raising awareness about actions in Gaza.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions in Brighton related to activism, antisemitism, and political discourse. The police's decision not to investigate leaves the door open for continued debate over the boundaries of free speech, community safety, and the impact of such campaigns on vulnerable populations.
