London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – London and Manchester see arrests at Palestine Action protests, defying warnings after the recent Manchester synagogue terror attack.
As reported by the Independent, authorities intervened at a London pro-Palestine protest, enforcing arrests despite warnings after the Manchester synagogue attack.
Metropolitan Police carried out arrests at Trafalgar Square, where demonstrators held Palestine Action placards, and at Westminster Bridge, where a banner for the proscribed group was displayed.
More than 1,500 people were expected at the Save Our Juries protest, potentially surpassing the 1961 anti-nuclear demonstration’s arrest record at the same London site.
What did the Met say about the Palestine Action arrests?
Metropolitan Police confirmed six people were detained after displaying a pro-Palestine banner on Westminster Bridge.
The force stated,
“Officers were quickly on scene, the banner had been removed and the six people involved have been arrested for supporting a proscribed organisation.”
The Met said,
“Officers have begun making arrests in Trafalgar Square where people are displaying placards in support of Palestine Action.”
They added,
“The square is busy, but quite a few people in the crowd appear to be observing/supporting but not carrying placards themselves.”
A pro-Palestinian protest is happening, with about 100 people gathered before a planned march. It comes after a similar event by Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine.
Forces intervened as counter-protesters approached the rally. They shouted against Hamas and voiced support for the Israeli Defence Forces.
What did Dave Rich say about the Pro-Palestinian rally?
A Community Security Trust leader described Saturday’s protests as “phenomenally tone deaf.”
Dave Rich, who serves as director of policy at the organisation safeguarding the Jewish community, stated,
“I think it’s phenomenally tone deaf, to say the least, for so many people who claim to care about human rights and care about freedoms, to be taking police resources away from protecting the rights and freedoms of Jewish people to live their lives and go to synagogue in safety, all to support a proscribed terrorist organisation, which is not the same thing as supporting the Palestinians.”
He added,
“And I think it’s remarkably self absorbed and insensitive to say the least.”
What did Sir Jonathon Porritt Say about the Defend Our Juries vigil?
Human rights activists Sir Jonathon Porritt said,
“I have no doubt whatsoever that everyone taking part in the Defend Our Juries’s silent vigil today will demonstrate huge respect and real grief for those affected by the absolute atrocity at Heaton Park.”
He stated,
“But I don’t think that means that we should be asked to give up on our right to stand up for those who are being devastated by an ongoing, real-time genocide in Gaza.”
When asked about politicians’ calls to delay the protest, he said it would be an unwise move for Defend Our Juries.
Mr Porritt added,
“We’ve been persistent in trying to bring these concerns to the attention of the Government.”
What did Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley say about the protest?
The Met urged the organisers to abandon their planned gathering.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated,
“At a time when we want to be deploying every available officer to ensure the safety of those communities, we are instead having to plan for a gathering of more than 1,000 people in Trafalgar Square on Saturday in support of a terrorist organisation.”
He added,
“By deliberately choosing to encourage mass law breaking on this scale, Defend Our Juries are drawing valuable resources away from the communities of London at a time when they are needed most.”
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson urged potential protest attendees to consider whether this is the right time.
More police have been sent to synagogues and Jewish buildings to keep people safe.
Keir Starmer’s views on this weekend’s protests
Sir Keir Starmer warned that the events could cause further distress for victims’ families and Jewish groups.
Writing in The Jewish Chronicle, and The Jewish News, the Prime Minister stated,
“I urge anyone thinking about protesting this weekend to recognise and respect the grief of British Jews this week.”
He added,
“This is a moment of mourning. It is not a time to stoke tension and cause further pain.”
What did Kemi Badenoch say about the Manchester synagogue attack?
The Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, went to the Manchester synagogue site following the attack.
She called Thursday’s attack in Crumpsall a “horror” and said Jewish people should feel safe in Britain.
Ms Badenoch added,
“We need to make sure that we provide a safe environment for Jewish people. Many of them have told me that they want to leave. They’d rather go to Israel. Israel is at war.”
Key facts about the Palestine Action group
The Palestine Action group, founded on 30 July 2020 in the United Kingdom, is a pro-Palestinian direct action network. Its stated purpose is to end global support for what it calls Israel’s “genocidal and apartheid regime” by opposing British arms exports to Israel.
The group primarily targets British facilities linked to companies supplying weapons to Israel, such as Elbit Systems. Its tactics include protests, occupation of premises, vandalism, and destruction of property.