Cascades Shopping Centre makes controversial decision to cover Lush store' 'Stop starving Gaza' poster in hopes to remain 'neutral'

This comes as the business halts all forms of trading as it shares the “anguish that millions of people feel seeing the images of starving people in Gaza”. As a result, every store is displaying the message: ‘STOP STARVING GAZA – WE ARE CLOSED IN SOLIDARITY’.

However, Cascades has made the controversial choice to cover the message following concerns that it may cause an issue with those opposed to it, and to maintain its neutral stance.

Amy Grice, deputy centre manager at Cascades, said: “We have to remain neutral to protect the centre and our shoppers. If we allow a statement like that to be displayed it could entice protests or possible damage so we have done our best to cover it up.”

Despite the message being hidden, Amy has admitted they are “fighting a losing battle” with members of the public removing the Cascades poster covering Lush’s message.

In response to the decision by the shopping centre, a Lush spokesperson has revealed their disappointment. They said: "It is disappointing that a public display of solidarity for people suffering starvation is seen as a political statement, rather than a humanitarian plea."

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Along with Lush stores nationwide, the company’s website has also been shut down for the day. It announced the campaign with a statement on its website this morning.

The statement read: “Across the Lush business we share the anguish that millions of people feel seeing the images of starving people in Gaza, Palestine. Like the rest of the world, we struggle to find ways we can help whilst the Israeli government is preventing urgent humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza.

“One thing Lush can currently send into Gaza is our love and a strong message that we stand in solidarity. This will take the form of halting business-as-usual by shutting our UK shops, website and factories for one day on Wednesday 3rd September 2025, with our shop windows displaying the message STOP STARVING GAZA – WE ARE CLOSED IN SOLIDARITY.

“Providing our customers with the very best service is ingrained into everything we do at Lush, so shutting our shops is not an easy decision – we ask for forgiveness from any customers we inconvenience should they come to us on 3rd September and find us closed. However, we know that many of our customers share the same anxiety about the current situation in Gaza.

The statement concluded with: “Whilst Lush is losing a day of takings, this also means that the UK Government is losing a day of tax contributions from Lush and our customers. We hope they too hear the message our closure sends, with more Government action needed to bring an immediate stop to the death and destruction, including an end to arms sales from the UK.”

The “silencing” of pro-Palestinian messages hit the headlines in Portsmouth last month when The Mary Wallopers had their set cut short by the Victorious Festival organisers after they unveiled a Palestinian flag (video embedded in his article).

In response a number of acts pulled out in support of the Irish band including The Last Dinner Party and The Academics. Victorious Festival apologised to The Mary Wallopers over the issue.