Palestine Action protest in London could set record for number of arrests, say organisers

"Defend Our Juries said it had received 1,500 pledges to attend the demonstration in London and risk arrest and was expecting hundreds more to register by the weekend. The group said the record number of arrests at a single event was 1,314, made by the Metropolitan police during the Committee of 100's 1961 anti-nuclear demonstration in Trafalgar Square. The central London square was also the centre of the 1990 poll tax uprisings when 339 people were arrested in one day."

"With over 1,500 people already pledging to take part, and hundreds more expected to register by the weekend, this is set to be the biggest mass action yet defying the ban on Palestine Action. While Keir Starmer ignores the demands of his own party members to recognise Israel's genocide and take action including sanctions and a full arms embargo thousands are stepping up where his government refuses to act."

"More than 1,600 people have been arrested since the ban under the Terrorism Act came into effect on 5 July, mainly for holding signs reading: I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. The highest arrest tally so far was on 6 September at a demonstration in Parliament Square when 890 people were detained, 857 for showing support for a proscribed group."

Defend Our Juries received 1,500 pledges to attend a London demonstration and risk arrest, with hundreds more expected to register. The historical single-event arrest record is 1,314, recorded by the Metropolitan police during the Committee of 100's 1961 anti-nuclear demonstration in Trafalgar Square; Trafalgar Square also saw 339 arrests during the 1990 poll tax uprisings. Since the Palestine Action ban under the Terrorism Act took effect on 5 July, more than 1,600 people have been arrested, mainly for holding signs reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” The highest single-day tally so far was 890 on 6 September. On Sunday, Merseyside police arrested 66 people at a rally outside the Labour party conference; two were later dearrested. Yvette Cooper announced proscription plans in June.

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