Camden (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Police moved on Youth Demand protesters during a pro-Palestinian rally in Camden, as part of continued demonstrations highlighting the Gaza conflict.
On Saturday morning, the campaigners assembled in Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Holborn and marched to King’s Cross station.
Before being escorted by police, several held banners that read, “Stop Arming Israel,” while others flared green.
A group of 40 people blocked traffic on Euston Road close to King’s Cross at approximately 12:15 p.m., according to Youth Demand, after its supporters split into two groups.
According to Youth Demand, after ten minutes, the gathering dispersed after the Metropolitan Police warned them under section seven of the Public Order Act.
Members of the Youth Demand movement were arrested by police (Maja Smiejkowska/PA).
According to Scotland Yard, no one was arrested.
Youth Demand aims to hold protests every Tuesday and Saturday throughout April, and this action is a component of that strategy.
According to the Metropolitan Police, six members of Youth Demand were taken into custody during a meeting last Thursday.
Police issued dispersal orders and detained 77 individuals for violating the Public Order Act at a significant pro-Palestine protest in January 2025. In recent months, this was one of the most arrests at an event of this kind.
Police have employed cordons and obstacles to restrict demonstrators’ movement, frequently keeping them from getting to locations like the BBC headquarters or Trafalgar Square. When demonstrators try to break these rules, it has resulted in altercations and arrests.
A youth-led organization called Youth Demand has been planning demonstrations that use “swarming” strategies and road obstruction. Despite being disruptive, these protests have typically led to fewer arrests since demonstrators frequently leave before police can act.
A Met spokesperson previously said:
“Youth Demand have stated an intention to ‘shut down’ London over the month of April using tactics including ‘swarming’ and road blocks.
While we absolutely recognise the importance of the right to protest, we have a responsibility to intervene to prevent activity that crosses the line from protest into serious disruption and other criminality.
On Thursday March 27, officers raided a Youth Demand planning meeting where those in attendance were plotting their April action.
Six people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.”
What were the main reasons for the dispersal in Central London?
Dispersal orders are frequently employed to quell possible chaos, particularly at gatherings like football games or protests that can draw sizable crowds or spark disputes. For instance, in order to control any chaos and avoid public discomfort, dispersal orders were issued prior to the England vs. Scotland Euro 2020 match.
Additionally, these orders are used to deal with chronic antisocial behavior in particular domains, such public discomfort, harassment, or intimidation. If a group’s presence is likely to cause problems, the police have the power to disperse them.
Dispersal orders are primarily intended to improve public safety by granting law enforcement the authority to regulate and control potentially disruptive groups. This covers circumstances in which violence or other criminal action could occur.