Protesters Arrested Despite Police Appeal to Call Off Rally
London police on Saturday arrested hundreds during a demonstration supporting the banned pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action. The protest went ahead in Trafalgar Square, despite appeals from authorities to cancel it following a deadly synagogue attack in Manchester.
Organisers refused police requests to call off the march, stating the event had been planned before the attack. They rallied against the proscription of Palestine Action under UK anti‑terrorism laws. As of 17:30 GMT, police reported 442 arrests, about half the number made at a similar protest in September. Demonstrators cheered and applauded the detainees being carried through the crowd, chanting “shame on you” at officers. Some protesters voiced that non-violent protest is a right, and challenged the designation of Palestine Action as violent.
Calls for Restraint, Broader Protests Continue
On social media, Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged calm and solidarity:
“I urge anyone thinking about protesting … to recognise and respect the grief of British Jews.”
He described the period as one for mourning, not escalation.
Meanwhile, Defend Our Juries, the rally’s organiser, condemned the Manchester attack and argued police should focus on protecting religious sites instead of policing peaceful protest. Six people were arrested on Westminster Bridge for displaying a Palestine Action banner near Parliament.
The demonstration added to a string of protests where hundreds have defied the ban and been arrested. Authorities said Saturday’s arrests would stretch policing resources already heightened around synagogues and mosques after the recent attack.
