Arrests Start as London Protest Defies Calls to Pause
Arrests have begun at a London demonstration in support of Palestine Action, held in defiance of political and police calls to reconsider in the wake of a Manchester synagogue terror attack. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers moved in at Trafalgar Square and Westminster Bridge as the protest unfolded, with several people detained for reasons tied to public order offences and breaches of the proscription order against the group.
What Happened in Trafalgar Square and Westminster
According to the Met, demonstrators gathered in Trafalgar Square, displaying placards in solidarity with Palestine Action. The square, typically busy with visitors and tourists, saw a portion of the crowd observing while others faced removal for prohibited activities. At Westminster Bridge, a banner linked to the same proscribed organisation was unfurled, prompting police action. The force has stressed that maintaining public safety is a priority amid heightened tensions following the attack in Manchester.
Organisers and Public Response
Defend Our Juries, the group behind the London event, asserted that more than a thousand people had gathered for a mass silent vigil to highlight concerns about justice and civil rights. Some attendees voiced grief and solidarity with those affected by violence, while others contended that the protest is a vital exercise of free expression. Human rights advocate Jonathon Porritt argued that public demonstrations can convey legitimate outrage while acknowledging ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Counter-protesters also appeared in other venues, with tensions rising as chants and confrontations emerged in some locations. Security services have been tasked with preventing clashes and ensuring crowd control, particularly near Jewish communities and synagogues, in the wake of the Manchester attack. The debate over the timing and scale of protests has become a flashpoint for broader discussions about free speech, security, and the responsibilities of protest organizers.
Government and Police Reactions
Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged protesters to “respect the grief of British Jews” and avoid actions that might exacerbate communal tensions. In a published op-ed for The Jewish Chronicle and The Jewish News, he cautioned against protests that could inflame tensions at a time when families are mourning and security services are on heightened alert.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the decision to authorize or facilitate large gatherings “in support of a terrorist organisation” diverted essential resources from protecting communities. He urged organizers to reconsider and warned that police would enforce the law and public order, including legal bans on certain groups and actions related to the proscriptions.
Broader Context and Civic Debate
Across the country, other events linked to Palestine solidarity or opposition to the proscribed organisation occurred, including a separate gathering outside Manchester Cathedral. The broader debate centers on balancing civil liberties with public safety, especially in a climate of mourning and national trauma. Rights groups argue that peaceful demonstration remains a cornerstone of democracy, while critics warn of the risk of violence or the inadvertent support of organisations that are legally restricted.
Looking Ahead
Police have indicated that additional measures will be deployed as needed to protect vulnerable communities and maintain public order. With authorities urging restraint, protest organisers face a choice between continuing the vigil and postponing or altering plans to reduce risk. The situation underscores the fragile line between peaceful protest and actions that could jeopardize public safety during a period of collective grieving.
