Largest anti-terror arrests in years
Hundreds of demonstrators were detained in London on Saturday after defying a government ban on Palestine Action and rallying in Parliament Square.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed more than 465 arrests under anti-terrorism laws, describing it as the biggest day of mass arrests in recent years.
The force said significant resources had been deployed and warned in advance that anyone showing support for the proscribed group could be taken into custody. Placards bearing messages such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action” were visible throughout the crowd.
Government defends organisation’s ban
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed that the right to protest was being upheld, but differentiated between lawful demonstrations and backing a banned group. The Labour government outlawed Palestine Action earlier this year after members damaged military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton.
Under the proscription, supporting the group carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison. More than 200 arrests have been made nationwide in recent weeks for similar offences. Palestine Action is appealing against the ban following a High Court ruling allowing the case to proceed.
Calls for continued demonstrations
Campaign network Defend Our Juries, which helped organise the rally, claimed 1,000 people attended and said the turnout showed public anger over UK policy towards Israel and Palestine. It announced plans for further protests in September.
Among those arrested was church minister Sally Mann, who said she had “nothing against the police” but felt “deep disappointment” with the government she supported at the ballot box.
The scale of Saturday’s arrests surpasses most recent UK protest crackdowns, with only historic events like the poll tax riots seeing comparable numbers.
