Arrests begin as London protest enters defiant phase
Arrests have begun at a pro-Palestine protest in London, held in defiance of calls from politicians and police leaders to reconsider any large gatherings in the wake of the Manchester synagogue terror attack. The demonstrations, organized by Defend Our Juries, drew more than a thousand people to Trafalgar Square where a mass silent vigil was staged in solidarity with Gaza. At Westminster Bridge, a banner backing the proscribed group Palestine Action was unfurled, prompting police action and the first wave of detentions.
Police response and locations of the protests
Metropolitan Police officers reported arrests in Trafalgar Square, where participants were seen holding placards in support of Palestine Action. A separate action near Westminster Bridge involved a banner display associated with the same cause. The Met noted that while the Square was busy, a portion of the crowd appeared to be observing rather than actively participating in placard-waving. The police response has included heightened presence around Jewish sites and transportation hubs, with officers explaining the need to balance public demonstration rights with community safety.
Political and community responses
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged protesters to “respect the grief of British Jews,” emphasizing that this moment of mourning should not be exploited to intensify tensions. Jewish leaders labeled some reactions as “phenomenally tone deaf” in the wake of Thursday’s attack that left two people dead. Community Security Trust officials and other security voices warned that large gatherings could divert critical resources away from protecting Jewish communities and places of worship.
Jonathon Porritt, a human rights campaigner, defended the right to peaceful protest while acknowledging the pain felt across communities. He argued that demonstrating for human rights should not come at the expense of safety for those who attend religious services. The dialogue around protests continues to pit civil liberties against security concerns in a charged national mood.
The government and police call for prudence
Police leaders emphasized a practical appeal: with resources stretched across policing needs, securing large protests that may involve or be associated with proscribed groups could strain the system. Met Commissioner Mark Rowley articulated the concern that mass gatherings associated with a terrorist organisation require significant policing resources, potentially impacting the protection of other communities. Greater Manchester Police also weighed in, advising would-be attendees to consider whether now is the right time for such demonstrations.
What comes next
As the initial arrests unfold, authorities have stressed the importance of maintaining public order while allowing lawful protest. The broader question facing London and other cities is how to address complex issues of free expression, public safety, and the ramifications of supporting or opposing groups that are legally proscribed. The Manchester event nearby also signifies a broader, cross-city dynamic in the UK’s ongoing debates about foreign policy, human rights, and domestic security in a time of elevated tensions.
Key takeaways
- Arrests have begun at London protests in Trafalgar Square and Westminster Bridge.
- Officials urge restraint and caution in the wake of the Manchester attack.
- Public safety and the protection of Jewish communities are central concerns for police and political leaders.
