More than 400 people have been arrested in central London during pro-Palestine demonstrations linked to the proscribed group Palestine Action, as protesters went ahead with the rally despite police pleas following the Manchester synagogue terror attack.
Two days after the incident in Crumpsall, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the capital to demand the government reverse its decision to ban Palestine Action, which was added to the UK’s list of proscribed terrorist groups in July.
According to organisers from Defend Our Juries, around 1,000 people attended the protest to “oppose genocide and the Palestine Action ban.”
Before the main march began, six individuals were detained on Westminster Bridge after displaying banners reading “I oppose genocide” and “I support Palestine Action.” Most arrests later occurred in Trafalgar Square, where protesters held placards in support of the banned group.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a separate crowd had gathered in Whitehall before attempting to move towards Trafalgar Square. Many of those arrested were older adults, with images showing police assisting people with walking sticks or wheelchairs, and in some cases physically carrying demonstrators to processing areas after they refused to comply with officers.
One protester, 62-year-old Mike Higgins, who is blind and uses a wheelchair, told the PA news agency: “We are going to win this battle, by the way, there’s no doubt about that. The problem for me is that I want to win it now to try and bring an end to the suffering in Palestine.”
Ahead of the event, the Metropolitan Police had urged organisers to postpone the protest due to concerns over stretched resources following the Manchester synagogue attack. Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the force’s ability to “protect communities” could be compromised.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also appealed for restraint, writing on X that anyone planning to protest should “recognise and respect the grief of British Jews.” Several Jewish community leaders criticised the timing of the demonstration, calling it “phenomenally tone deaf.”
In a letter addressed to Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, Defend Our Juries said it would continue with the protest as “the protection of our democracy and the prevention of countless deaths are critical issues.”
Policing Minister Sarah Jones criticised the decision to proceed, arguing that many participants “want to be arrested, that is their aim.” She added, “We believe in people’s right to protest. This protest here in London is a different order of event because people are supporting a proscribed organisation and the police have to step in, in that case.”
Elsewhere, a smaller demonstration organised by the Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine took place outside Manchester Cathedral earlier in the day. The event focused on “honouring the names of Palestinian children brutally killed by Israel in Gaza,” with around 100 people participating before marching to St Peter’s Square.
Protesters were heard chanting “Free Palestine!” while a small counter-protest group shouted “release the hostages.” Greater Manchester Police did not confirm whether any arrests were made.
Meanwhile, GMP confirmed that four of the six suspects arrested in connection with the Manchester synagogue terror attack will remain in custody for up to five more days. Two men, aged 30 and 32, and two women, aged 61 and 46, have had their detention extended.
An 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man also remain in custody for questioning. All six suspects were detained on suspicion of the commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism.
