Harish Patel- Tab2Mag
Hundreds of Officers Deployed as Banned Group Supporters Face 14-Year Prison Terms
Metropolitan Police conducted widespread arrests in Parliament Square today as more than 500 supporters of the proscribed Palestine Action group staged a defiant demonstration, while simultaneous anti-migrant protests across England threatened to descend into chaos.
Palestine Action Supporters Risk Terrorism Charges in Central London
Despite facing potential 14-year prison sentences under the Terrorism Act 2000, hundreds of Palestine Action supporters gathered in Parliament Square carrying placards reading “I am on duty to stop genocide” and “Our right to non-violent protest.”
The demonstration, organized by Defend Our Juries, proceeded as planned despite the group’s proscription by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper last month. Witnesses reported approximately 300 police officers confronting around 200 protesters, with scuffles breaking out between rival groups.
Men and women of varying ages were seen being led away in handcuffs as the Metropolitan Police implemented what Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan described as a “significant policing presence” drawn from multiple forces across the country.
First Terrorism Act Charges Filed Against Elderly Protesters
The demonstration comes just days after the first three individuals were charged with supporting the banned organization. Jeremy Shippam, 71, Judit Murray, also 71, and Fiona Maclean, 53, face charges of displaying articles in public that aroused reasonable suspicion of supporting a proscribed organization following their attendance at a previous demonstration.
More than 200 people have been arrested nationwide in the wave of Defend Our Juries protests since the ban was implemented, with police warning that arrests under terrorism legislation carry severe long-term consequences for travel, employment, and finances.
Retired Scientist Prepared for Arrest to Defend Free Speech
Among those risking detention was Martin Drummond, a 76-year-old retired research scientist from Norwich, who expressed outrage at what he characterized as restrictions on free speech.
“I’m here to protect our free speech – it’s absolutely crucial,” Drummond declared. “Our forefathers fought for free speech and I’m bloody well going to defend it.”
Despite his commitment to the cause, Drummond admitted he was “unenthusiastic” about potential arrest, stating: “I’d like to go home today. I’m not regarding it as a badge of honour. I have never supported anything like this before.”
Police Impose Strict Conditions on Competing London Marches
Authorities have implemented stringent public order conditions for two additional demonstrations scheduled for consecutive days. The Palestine Coalition will march from Russell Square to Whitehall, while the pro-Israeli group Stop the Hate will hold their own demonstration.
Restrictions mandate that the Palestine Coalition march cannot begin before noon, protesters must not deviate from agreed routes or form assemblies along the way, and all activities must conclude by 5:30 PM.
Nuneaton Becomes Flashpoint for Anti-Migrant Tensions
Outside London, Nuneaton emerged as a particular concern for authorities amid claims that Warwickshire Police withheld information regarding the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl. Protesters gathered outside the Town Hall waving Union flags and St George’s Cross banners while a van adorned with Union flag bunting played Rule Britannia and the national anthem.
Counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism assembled with yellow placards and banners reading “Stop the far right,” creating a tense standoff separated by police vehicles near the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council building.
Nationwide Anti-Migrant Protests Strain Police Resources
Law enforcement agencies across at least 12 towns and cities have imposed restrictions as rival demonstrations target migrant hotels and council offices. Additional protests took place outside asylum seeker accommodations in Bournemouth and Newcastle, while London police prepared for demonstrations at hotels in Canary Wharf and Islington.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign shared images across social media showing pro-Palestine activists gathering nationwide, posting on X: “People are starting to gather – all the way from Durham to Cardiff – ready to march for Palestine!”
Police Commander Acknowledges Resource Strain
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Adelekan acknowledged the unprecedented demand on police resources, stating: “This is going to be a particularly busy few days in London with many simultaneous protests and events that will require a significant policing presence.”
He expressed gratitude not only to Metropolitan Police officers but also to colleagues from other forces deployed to support London operations, while additional resources were required for the Community Shield match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Wembley.
Palestine Action Challenges Ban Through Legal System
The demonstrations continue despite Palestine Action’s legal challenge to its proscription. Last week, the High Court ruled the group had an arguable case for judicial review, scheduled for November. The ban followed vandalism of two military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire that caused £7 million in damage.
Protests are expected to continue on a rolling basis until the judicial review concludes, with organizers vowing to maintain pressure on authorities.
Government Defends Proscription Decision Amid Security Concerns
A Home Office spokesperson defended the proscription, emphasizing that the ban specifically targets Palestine Action rather than broader Palestinian rights activism.
“The Home Secretary has been clear that the proscription of Palestine Action is not about Palestine, nor does it affect the freedom to protest on Palestinian rights,” the spokesperson stated. “It only applies to the specific and narrow organisation whose activities do not reflect or represent the thousands of people across the country who continue to exercise their fundamental rights to protest.”
The government cited “strong security advice” and unanimous recommendations from expert cross-government review groups, following what officials described as “serious attacks involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage.”
Terrorism Assessment Reveals Concerning Intelligence
Officials disclosed that the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre determined Palestine Action “prepares for terrorism,” with concerning intelligence referencing plans for further attacks. However, specific details cannot be publicly reported due to ongoing legal proceedings.
The proscription decision followed extensive evaluation of the group’s activities, which authorities argue crossed the line from legitimate protest into criminal terrorism preparation, warranging the severe legal restrictions now in effect.
