Full Breakdown
Pro-Palestine Student Conference in London Draws Security Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
Conference Overview
A four-day “National Student Conference for Palestine” is scheduled for this weekend in London. The event is organised by the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) and promoted on social media by student groups at King’s College London, the London School of Economics, City, St George’s, the University of Manchester and SOAS.
Alleged Terror Links and Past Activities
The PYM has been repeatedly accused of ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (Popular Front For The Liberation Of Palestine (PFLP)), a group designated as a terrorist organisation in the EU, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. A French appeal court in 2019 cited a 2015 report by France’s domestic intelligence agency (DGSI) that described the PYM as “affiliated with the PFLP.” An Israeli Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism report from July 2024 made a similar allegation of “close ties” to the PFLP. In May 2024 the PYM co-organised a pro-Palestine conference in Detroit that shared video endorsements from PFLP founding member Salah Salah and member Wisam Rafeedie. The PYM has also hosted a 2022 rally with Samidoun—a group sanctioned by Canada in 2024 and labelled a “sham charity” by the United States—where protesters called for the liberation of Palestine “by any means necessary.” Additionally, the PYM produced a “Siege on Labour” toolkit outlining tactics for targeting Labour MPs and offices, and its British spokesman Jeanine Hourani previously described the Hamas hostages-taking on Oct 7 as “legitimate” and “effective.”
Government and University Responses
Former Home Secretary Priti Patel urged the government to act, warning that the conference could spread hatred, antisemitism and terrorist views. Labour MP Luke Akehurst called for an investigation, saying campus links to extremist groups must be taken seriously. A government spokesperson affirmed the right to discuss lawful political views while stressing that universities must fulfil their Prevent duties to stop unlawful extremist activity.
University representatives emphasised legal compliance. An LSE spokesperson noted that the PYM is not a proscribed group, so promoting or attending the event does not breach university policy. King’s College London Students’ Union stated it is not involved in organising, funding or endorsing the conference. The University of Manchester Students’ Union argued that the PYM is lawful under the Terrorism Act 2000 and that attending the conference is lawful activity. A SOAS spokesperson said the institution is reviewing the UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) report in line with its legal obligations.
Jewish Groups and Legal Concerns
The Jewish Leadership Council warned that the summit could legitimize violence against Jews, while the Campaign Against Antisemitism called on universities to prevent students from “flirting with extremism.” UK Lawyers for Israel have compiled a dossier alleging extensive evidence of the PYM’s links to organisations associated with terrorism, including the PFLP. These groups argue that the conference could expose students to extremist propaganda despite the PYM’s denial of any formal affiliation.
