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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Tara Cobham and Rebecca Whittaker

Palestine Action protest latest: Met Police make 493 arrests after demonstrators defy calls to cancel

Police Sir Keir Starmer Manchester Tara Cobham Defend our Juries Victoria Starmer Jihad AlShamie Palestine Action Shabana Mahmood Trafalgar Square

Police say 493 people have been arrested at a rally in London held in support of Palestine Action.

The demonstrations took place despite calls from Sir Keir Starmer and police chiefs to cancel the events following the terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday.

The Metropolitan Police said six people have been arrested after a banner in support of Palestine Action was draped over Westminster Bridge on Saturday.

Further arrests were made at the protest against the ban on Palestine Action in Trafalgar Square, London. Defend Our Juries said around 1,000 protesters sat for the silent vigil holding handwritten signs that read: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

Met Police said there was a separate protest group which gathered in Whitehall, blocking the road before trying to march first towards Trafalgar Square, then Parliament Square.

Meanwhile, around 100 pro-Palestine supporters gathered in Manchester City centre for a march organised by Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine.

Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley had asked for protests to be postponed due to the drain on resources while extra officers are stationed at synagogues and the prime minister urged groups behind the events to “respect the grief of British Jews”.

Key Points

  • Met say 493 people arrested at protest in London today
  • Six people arrested over Palestine Action banner on Westminster Bridge
  • Around 100 pro-Palestine supporters gather in Manchester for march
  • Starmer urges demonstrators to 'respect grief of British Jews'
  • Pro-Palestine marches go ahead despite calls for them to be cancelled
  • Rallies come after fatal car and stabbing attack at synagogue

' Arresting hundreds of people for peacefully sitting down and holding a sign is not the job of the police,' says Amnesty UK

22:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

“It will never stop being shocking to witness hundreds of peaceful protesters being hauled from the streets into police vans,” said Amnesty UK.

More than 490 people were arrested at the protest in Trafalgar Square in support of Palestine Action.

In a post on X Amnesty UK said arresting hundreds of people for “peacefully sitting down and holding a sign” is not the job of the police and is a waste of time.

Watch: Police arrest scores of protesters in London over support for Palestine Action

21:40 , Rebecca Whittaker

‘Enough is enough’ says chief of Police Federation as ‘exhausted’ officers arrest 493 at Palestine Action protest

21:20 , Rebecca Whittaker

A senior police officer has declared "enough is enough" after “exhausted” officers arrested hundreds of people at a Palestine Action protest in London, days after the Manchester synagogue attack.

Met Police said at least 493 people were arrested for supporting the proscribed group, which was classed by the UK government as a terror organisation earlier this year.

‘Enough is enough’ says chief of police federation over Palestine Action rally

Whitehall protest comes to an end

21:10 , Rebecca Whittaker

The separate protest in Whitehall has also come to an end, according to the Met police.

It comes after police imposed Public Order Act conditions forcing people to leave the area.

Met Police explained earlier that there was a separate protest group which gathered in Whitehall, blocking the road before trying to march first towards Trafalgar Square, then Parliament Square.

Met say 493 people arrested at protest in London today

21:04 , Rebecca Whittaker

Metropolitan police said the protest has now ended and they have arrested 493 people.

But this figure could rise as officers continue to process some of those arrested in the final hour.

Police arrest more than 440 people over Palestine Action support

20:45 , Rebecca Whittaker

Police arrest more than 440 people over Palestine Action support

Watch: Madrid protesters gather to support Palestine ahead of 2nd anniversary of war in Gaza

20:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Pictured: Met Police make more than 400 arrests in Trafalgar Square

20:15 , Rebecca Whittaker

Police officers search detained protesters during a mass demonstration organised by Defend our Juries (REUTERS)
Protesters hold signs during a mass demonstration organised by Defend our Juries (REUTERS)
Police officers detain a protester during a mass demonstration organised by Defend our Juries (REUTERS)

Watch: 'The hurt has been heard' says Andy Burnham at scene of synagogue attack

20:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Crowds have now dispersed as final arrests made

19:50 , Rebecca Whittaker

Crowds began to disperse as it appeared police had arrested the final people showing support for Palestine Action.

A few dozen remained in Trafalgar Square and waved Palestine flags while H.O.O.D by Kneecap was played on a speaker.

Public Order Act conditions imposed on protest in Whitehall

19:39 , Rebecca Whittaker

Police have imposed Public Order Act conditions on a separate protest group which gathered in Whitehall.

Met Police explained earlier that there was a separate protest group which gathered in Whitehall, blocking the road before trying to march first towards Trafalgar Square, then Parliament Square.

The Public Order Act gives police the power to respond to protests and put restrictions in place. And in this case it means protesters have been told to leave the road.

The Met police said in a post on X that they have been ordered to assemble in Richmond Terrace.

Recap: What we know about the pro-Palestine protest

19:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
  • 355 Arrests have been made at a pro-Palestine protest in London's Trafalgar Square, which proceeded despite calls from politicians and police to reconsider.
  • The demonstration, organised by Defend Our Juries, was a silent vigil supporting Palestine Action and reading names of Palestinian children killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
  • Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and police chiefs urged the cancellation of the protest, citing the recent terror attack in Manchester and the need to respect the grief of British Jews.
  • A vicar and two elderly men were among those arrested in London, while a similar protest in Manchester saw pro-Palestinian marchers confronted by counter-protesters.
  • Jewish community leaders criticised the protests as "phenomenally tone deaf", though organisers defended their right to protest against what they described as an "ongoing, real-time genocide in Gaza".

Officers are 'emotionally and physically exhausted', says Metropolitan Police Federation

19:20 , Rebecca Whittaker

The chairwoman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents police staff claimed officers policing another protest are "emotionally and physically exhausted".

Paula Dodds said Met police officers should be “keeping people safe at a time when the country is on heightened alert from a terrorist attack,” Sky News reported.

But she claimed officers are having days off cancelled, are working longer shifts or are being moved from other areas to facilitate protests.

Police removing a protester at the Trafalgar Square demonstration (Maja Smiejkowska/PA) (PA Wire)

'Don’t you know your history,' protesters say to officers from the Police Service Northern Ireland

19:10 , Rebecca Whittaker

Officers from the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) have assisted in arresting some of the last few protesters.

The officers, in bottle green uniform, were heckled by one woman who shouted “shame on you, don’t you know your history?” as they helped carry a man who had been arrested in Trafalgar Square away from crowds.

There are just a few people left in Trafalgar Square holding signs supporting Palestine Action, as larger crowds watch on.

Pictured: Crowds and arrests at Pro-Palestine demonstration

19:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

A protester holds a placard during a mass demonstration organised by Defend our Juries, against the British government's ban on Palestine Action (REUTERS)
Police officers stand guard during a mass demonstration organised by Defend our Juries, against the British government's ban on Palestine Action (REUTERS)
Police officers detain a protester during a mass demonstration organised by Defend our Juries, against the British government's ban on Palestine Action (REUTERS)

Met say 442 people arrested over Palestine Action protests in London so far

18:56 , Rebecca Whittaker

Police have now arrest 442 people for supporting Palestine Action at today’s demonstration in Trafalgar Square.

In a post on X Metropolitan Police added: “A different protest group gathered in Whitehall, blocking the road before trying to march first towards Trafalgar Square, then Parliament Square. Officers have intervened.”

'I oppose genocide' and 'stop starving Gaza' placards at the protest state

18:50 , Rebecca Whittaker

Demonstrators can be seen waving Palestinian flags and holding various placards.

The majority of people are holdings signs that state “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

Others in the crowd include boards stating: “Stop starving Gaza” and “Scrap the terrorism act”.

Police officers speak with protesters during a mass demonstration organised by Defend our Juries (REUTERS)

'We have the right to protest' but this Pro-Palestine protest is 'different', says UK's policing minister

18:45 , Rebecca Whittaker

People do have the right to protest, but today’s demonstration in Trafalgar Square was different, according to the UK's policing minister.

Sarah Jones explained at the Pro-Palestine protest today people were supporting a prescribed organisation.

She told Sky News: "We have a right to protest, to speak our mind, to speak out on behalf of issues that we care about, but we do not have a right to disrupt, communities in major significant ways.

"Of course, this protest is illegal in and of itself because people are supporting a proscribed organisation. So it's quite different.”

Blind wheelchair user arrested for the third time for supporting Palestine Action

18:40 , Rebecca Whittaker

Mike Higgins, who is 62, blind and uses a wheelchair was one of the hundreds of people arrested today at the Pro-Palestine demonstration.

This was his third time attending a demonstration in support of Palestine Action and it is his third time being arrested under the Terrorism Act.

In a post on X Defend Our Juries shared his message as he was being arrested by police.

“I believe it it my right to protest and at the moment the government is saying that I am a terrorist for wanting to support people who are disrupting the arms trade with Israel,” Mr Higgins said.

Police carry demonstrators out of Trafalgar Square

18:35 , Rebecca Whittaker

Met Police officers can be seen carrying people out of the protest and into a pen at Trafalgar Square.

The Metropolitan Police have said many of those arrested today won’t walk and need to be carried out of Trafalgar Square, meaning the arrests are taking a long time.

Once demonstrators are carried into the pen many appear to stay laying on the floor, footage from the scene reveals.

Earlier today the pen was full and a police officer was heard telling other officers “no more through here” as more than 20 arrestees waited inside the pen.

'It's absurd police are being wasted on arresting peaceful protesters,' MP says

18:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

Police are being “wasted” on arresting peaceful protesters who are “exercising their democratic rights to oppose genocide,” Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East said.

In a post on X he called the situation “absurd” and called on the government to overturn the decision to designate Palestine Action as terrorists.

100 pro-Palestinian supporters gathered at Manchester event

18:20 , Rebecca Whittaker

A similar event held by Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine also took place today.

After a crowd of about 100 pro-Palestinian supporters gathered outside Manchester Cathedral to listen to speeches, they moved off en masse to march through the city centre.

As they banged drums and chanted “Free Palestine!”, a group of counter-protesters got ahead of them, marching in front and holding a flag saying “F*** Hamas” and shouting “release the hostages”.

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Stephen Watson urged would-be attendees at the protest to “consider whether this is really the right time”.

Footage shows elderly man being arrested in Trafalgar Square

18:10 , Rebecca Whittaker

Footage from the Pro-Palestine demonstration shows people shouting “free Palestine” as an elderly man is guided out of the square by Met Police officers.

Defend Our Juries wrote in a post on X: “Support from the crowd for an elderly man being arresting for peacefully opposing genocide and the Palestine Action ban.”

'We are going to win this battle,' said protester as he awaited arrest

18:05 , Rebecca Whittaker

A protester supporting Palestine Action said “we are going to win this battle” as he awaited arrest in Trafalgar Square.

Mike Higgins, 62, who is blind and uses a wheelchair, said he expects to be arrested for holding a poster supporting the banned group as police continue to detain activists.

He explained he attended the demonstration “because of the genocide, the absolute, dreadful inhumanity of the Israeli state in the way that is treating the people of Palestine”.

Asked why he did not heed Sir Keir Starmer’s calls to postpone or cancel today’s action, he said: “Well, I didn’t think he negotiated with terrorists. We’re supposed to be terrorists, aren’t we Sir Keir now, either we are or we’re not.

“If we’re not terrorists, then leave us alone. Let us protest. Let us demonstrate for the right to freedom of speech.”

He added: “We are going to win this battle, by the way, there’s no doubt about that. The problem for me is that I want to win it now to try and bring an end to the suffering in Palestine.”

Amnesty International says arresting hundreds of people at the demonstration is 'not the job of police'

18:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

Kerry Moscogiuri, director of campaigns at human rights group Amnesty International UK, said: “Arresting hundreds of people for peacefully sitting down and holding these signs is not the job of police.

“These arrests are in breach of the UK’s international human rights obligations and should not be happening.”

Demonstration in Trafalgar Square continues

17:50 , Rebecca Whittaker

The demonstration in Trafalgar Square continues to be full of people holding signs with the same words: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

Crowds of people can be seen in Trafalgar Square where police continue to arrest those holding placards in support of Palestine Action.

The march and protest ended outside Manchester Central Library has come to an end.

More than 100 people gathered and stood in silence as the names and ages of some of the thousands of children killed in the Gaza conflict were read out, before protesters dispersed.

Director of charity which provides protection for the Jewish community called the demonstration 'tone deaf'

17:45 , Rebecca Whittaker

Dave Rich, director of policy at the Community Security Trust charity which provides protection for the Jewish community, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think it’s phenomenally tone deaf, to say the least, for so many people who claim to care about human rights and care about freedoms, to be taking police resources away from protecting the rights and freedoms of Jewish people to live their lives and go to synagogue in safety, all to support a proscribed terrorist organisation, which is not the same thing as supporting the Palestinians.

“And I think it’s remarkably self-absorbed and insensitive, to say the least.”

Met say 355 people arrested over Palestine Action protests in London so far

17:42 , Rebecca Whittaker

Met Police have arrested 355 people for supporting Palestine Action.

In a post on X the Metropolitan Police said: “The majority of people still remaining in Trafalgar Square are onlookers who are not holding placards in support of Palestine Action.”

Police continue to arrest people supporting banned Palestine Action

17:30 , Rebecca Whittaker

As a woman continued to read out the names of Palestinian children killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict, police are arresting more people for supporting banned group Palestine Action in Trafalgar Square.

Among those yet to be arrested is Mike Higgins, 62, who is blind and uses a wheelchair.

He has been arrested before for showing support for the proscribed group and is holding a sign with the same words: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

Protesters attend rally despite calls to cancel following Manchester synagogue attack

17:17 , Rebecca Whittaker

Watch coverage from the rally in Trafalgar Square here:

Live: Pro-Palestine protest goes ahead despite calls to cancel after synagogue attack

Met say those arrested 'won't walk' and need to be carried

17:15 , Rebecca Whittaker

The Metropolitan Police have said many of those arrested today won’t walk and need to be carried out of Trafalgar Square, meaning the arrests are taking a long time.

As of 3.45pm officers had made 175 arrests for supporting a proscribed organisation.

This includes the six people who unfurled a banner in support of Palestine Action on Westminster Bridge earlier.

In a post on X the Met said: “The arrest phase takes time. Many of those arrested won’t walk out of the square and need to be carried, something that requires a minimum of five officers to do safely.”

Reverend Sue Parfitt is among the 175 to be arrested for the third time

17:00 , Rebecca Whittaker

83-year-old Reverend Sue Parfitt is among the 175 to be arrested, according to Defend Our Juries, which organised the event.

In a post on X it said has been arrested for the third time for holding a sign which says "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action".

Greenpeace describes arrests over Palestine Action support as a 'waste of police time'

16:45 , Tara Cobham

The Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

Greenpeace UK described the arrests over Palestine Action support a “waste of police time” and called for the judicial review on the proscription of the group to go ahead.

Co-executive director of the charity, Areeba Hamid, said: “Another month, another waste of police time. Police officers must be wondering why they are carrying out these performative arrests instead of protecting our communities after one of the worst antisemitic terror attacks to take place on British soil. If police resources are stretched, perhaps the Home Secretary should ask herself whether they wouldn't be better used fighting real terrorists instead of arresting people for holding placards in protest at a genocide.

“The best thing that can happen now is for the judicial review on the proscription of Palestine Action to go ahead and settle this matter once and for all. Every legal challenge just delays the scrutiny that is needed, and risks hundreds more wrongful arrests.”

Pen used to process people arrested for supporting Palestine Action appears to be full

16:30 , Tara Cobham

A pen being used to process people who have been arrested for supporting Palestine Action appears to be full.

A police officer was heard telling officers “no more through here” as more than 20 arrestees waited inside the pen.

Many are lying on the concrete as officers search their belongings while they wait to be formally processed.

Police remove protesters taking part in a demonstration in support of Palestine Action in Trafalgar Square, London, on Saturday (Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire)

Daughter of Holocaust survivor, 79, among arrested, Defend Our Juries says

16:08 , Tara Cobham

A 79-year-old Jewish woman and daughter of a Holocaust survivor is among the 175 to be arrested, according to Defend Our Juries, which organised the event.

The campaign group said this is the third time Elizabeth Morley has been arrested at such a protest.

Protesters chant 'Met Police, you decide: Justice or genocide'

16:07 , Tara Cobham

As police processed more arrests, other protesters stood outside the pen and chanted “Met Police, you decide: Justice or genocide”.

People supporting Palestine Action at the Lift the Ban event have been urged not to resist arrest and have been seen following police instructions.

Met say 175 people arrested over Palestine Action protests in London

15:57 , Tara Cobham

A Metropolitan Police update posted on social media said 175 people have been arrested during protests in London in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action.

“Our policing operation in Trafalgar Square continues.

“As of 3.45pm officers had made 175 arrests for supporting a proscribed organisation, including the six on Westminster Bridge earlier.”

A banner backing Palestine Action was unfurled at Westminster Bridge.

Blind man and his partner arrested in Trafalgar Square

15:49 , Tara Cobham

A blind man and his partner have been arrested as they sat in Trafalgar Square holding signs supporting banned group Palestine Action.

The blind man using a white cane was escorted by a police officer to be processed and his partner walked behind him.

Meanwhile, a counter protester who chanted “Free, free Palestine from Hamas” near to where arrestees are being processed was taken into the police pen, before he was allowed back out into Trafalgar Square.

Pro-Palestine supporters shouted “arrest him”.

Ex-political violence adviser calls protests 'callous insult to thousands of grieving Jews'

15:30 , Tara Cobham

The Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

The government’s former adviser on political violence has said Saturday’s protests are a “callous insult to thousands of grieving Jews”.

And Lord Walney warned they may also prove “a major tactical blunder for their campaign”.

Speaking to The Independent, he said: “Many people who might otherwise have been sympathetic to the idea that proscribing Palestine Action went too far will be repulsed by the sight of yet another stunt going ahead despite pleas that the police are flat out protecting Synagogues from the risk of copy cat attacks on the first Sabbath since the Heaton Park killings.

“The ring leaders of this campaign tell each other they are modern day Suffragettes but they have shown themselves up as self-centred, over-privileged exhibitionists who will now be shunned by most decent Palestine supporters.”

Protesters taking part in a demonstration in support of Palestine Action in Trafalgar Square, London, on Saturday (Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire)

March and protest ends outside Manchester Central Library

15:16 , Tara Cobham

The march and protest ended outside Manchester Central Library, where the crowd gathered and stood in silence as the names and ages of some of the thousands of children killed in the Gaza conflict were read out, before protesters dispersed.

Police granted extension to hold four arrested over Manchester terror attack

15:15 , Tara Cobham

Greater Manchester Police said it has been granted custody extensions to hold four people arrested in connection with the attack on the Crumpsall synagogue for a further five days.

“We have been granted warrants of further detention for four individuals currently in custody. This means they can remain in custody for up to a further five days,” a statement said.

They are a 30-year-old man, a 61-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man, all arrested in Prestwich, and a 46-year-old woman arrested in Farnworth.

The force said an 18-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, who were arrested in Farnworth, remain in custody for questioning.

Everyone in custody has been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Met Police Federation chair claims 'enough is enough' for 'exhausted' officers facing more protests

15:01 , Tara Cobham

The chairwoman of the Metropolitan Police Federation has claimed “enough is enough” as she said officers policing another protest in London are “emotionally and physically exhausted”.

Paula Dodds said: “Enough is enough. Our concentration should be on keeping people safe at a time when the country is on heightened alert from a terrorist attack. And instead officers are being drawn in to facilitate these relentless protests.

“And we are coming under attack for doing so. How can this be right?

“This appalling level of abuse will not be tolerated and we expect the stiffest sanctions for the perpetrators. We are supporting officers as best we can.”

She added: “There aren’t enough of us. Hard-working police officers are continually having days off cancelled, working longer shifts and being moved from other areas to facilitate these protests.

“We are emotionally and physically exhausted. What are politicians and senior police officers going to do about it?”

Protesters taking part in a demonstration in support of Palestine Action in Trafalgar Square, London, on Saturday (REUTERS)

Elderly woman arrested over Palestine Action sign

14:40 , Tara Cobham

An elderly woman sat away from crowds at the Palestine Action protest has been arrested and escorted away for showing support for the banned group.

The woman had a cardboard sign face down on her lap and was approached by officers who asked her to show it to them.

After turning it over to reveal it said “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”, she was arrested and taken away.

She was thanked by crowds who clapped and cheered as she walked away.

Badenoch visits scene of Manchester synagogue terror attack

14:21 , Tara Cobham

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has visited the scene of the Manchester synagogue terror attack which killed two people.

She was joined by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Assistant Chief Constable John Webster as she visited the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham (left) with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch as she visits the scene near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Dozens of protesters remain in Trafalgar Square holding Palestine Action signs

14:09 , Tara Cobham

Dozens of protesters remain sitting quietly in the centre of Trafalgar Square holding signs showing support for proscribed group Palestine Action.

Some campaigners are singing protest song We Shall Not Be Moved and holding Palestine flags.

Police are continuing to arrest people who show support for Palestine Action.

Pro-Palestine marchers turn out in their tens of thousands across Europe

13:56 , Tom Watling

Tens of thousands of people are marching in Barcelona as Spain, Italy and Portugal gear up for mass demonstrations to protest Israel's war in Gaza.

Protests in Spain's second-largest city as well as in Madrid were called for weeks ago, while calls for demonstrations in Rome and Lisbon followed widespread anger after the Israeli interception of a humanitarian aid flotilla that had set sail from Barcelona, trying to break the blockade of the Palestinian territory.

Over 40 Spaniards, including a former Barcelona mayor, are among the 450 activists that Israel removed from the flotilla's boats this week.

Italy already saw more than 2 million people rally on Friday across the country in a one-day general strike to support the residents of Gaza.

Spain has seen an upsurge of support for Palestinians in recent weeks while its left-wing government intensifies diplomatic efforts against the far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu. Protests against the presence of an Israeli-owned cycling team repeatedly disrupted the Spanish Vuelta last month, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S�nchez called the destruction in Gaza a "genocide" and asked for the ban of all Israeli teams from international sporting events.

The calls for protests in Southern Europe come as Hamas said it has accepted some elements of the plan laid out by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the two-year war, which has left Gaza's largest city in famine and stirred accusations of genocide against Israel.

Barcelona's town hall said police estimated that 70,000 turned out for Saturday's demonstration.

People packed Barcelona's wide Passeig de Gracia, the city's main central boulevard. Many families turned out, along with people of all ages. Protesters carried Palestinian flags or wore t-shirts supporting Palestine. Hand-held signs bore messages like "Gaza hurts me," "Stop the Genocide," and "Hands off the flotilla."

Demonstrators hold a banner with writing reading in Catalan 'Let's stop the genocide in Palestine, no more arms trade with Israel' during a pro-Palestinian rally in solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla after ships were intercepted by the Israeli navy, in Barcelona, Spain (AP)

In pictures: Police remove protesters from Trafalgar Square

13:53 , Tom Watling

(REUTERS)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Around 700 attend pro-Palestine Action demonstration in Trafalgar Square

13:47 , Tom Watling

An organiser for Defend Our Juries said she estimates around 700 protesters are in Trafalgar Square showing their support for banned Palestine Action.

Several protesters have already been arrested and are being taken to the south-west side of Trafalgar Square, where officers and police vehicles are waiting to process the arrests.

Vicar arrested at Trafalgar Square

13:38 , Tom Watling

A vicar has been arrested and carried out by police among crowds at a protest in central London.

The woman was sat with her eyes closed and holding a poster which said “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”.

A police officer told the woman in Trafalgar Square she was under arrest and asked her to stand before other officers helped carry her out of crowds.

Some people in the crowd called police “shameful” and one said to officers “thanks for protecting us” as the woman was taken away.

More demonstrators carried away from Trafalgar Square

13:34 , Tom Watling

More people sat holding signs saying “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action” have been carried out of crowds by police officers.

One police officer was heard telling others to prioritise removing a man who was “in the way”.

Welfare volunteers at the demonstration are handing out custody advice cards.

In pictures: Protesters gather for pro-Palestine rally in Trafalgar Square

13:19 , Tom Watling

Protesters hold signs during a mass demonstration organised by Defend our Juries, against the British government's ban on Palestine Action, at Trafalgar Square in London (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Protest in Trafalgar underway

13:14 , Tom Watling

Just after 1pm, protesters in Trafalgar Square began clapping before sitting down.

They chanted “free, free Palestine” and some began writing “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”, while others held pre-written signs.

A woman in blue scrubs stood in the crowds with a sign reading “nurse against genocide”.

Demonstrators arrested in Trafalgar Square

13:12 , Tom Watling

Officers have begun to arrest demonstrators in Trafalgar Square who have shown support for the proscribed organisation Palestine Action.

“The square is busy, but quite a few people in the crowd appear to be observing/supporting but not carrying placards themselves,” the Met said.

Two elderly men were seen being carried by each limb by officers as crowds clapped and cheered.

City of London police officers have arrived to support the Metropolitan Police.

In pictures: Protesters and counter demonstrators out in force in Manchester

13:09 , Tom Watling

People take part in a demonstration organised by GM Friends of Palestine at Manchester Cathedral (Ryan Jenkinson/PA Wire)
Police speak to a counter protester as people take part in a demonstration organised by GM Friends of Palestine at Manchester Cathedral (Ryan Jenkinson/PA Wire)
A protester holds a sign, during a demonstration organised by the Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine calling for an end to Israeli occupation (REUTERS)

Dozens of officers await expected arrival of hundreds of protesters in Trafalgar Square

12:57 , Tara Cobham

Dozens of police officers are lined up next to Nelson’s Column in central London awaiting the expected arrival of hundreds of protesters supporting the banned group Palestine Action.

Protesters from the group Defend Our Juries are due to arrive at 1pm and will show support for the group by holding signs.

Several campaigners from the Stop the War coalition are already in Trafalgar Square, holding placards and Palestine flags.

Six people arrested over Palestine Action banner on Westminster Bridge

12:47 , Tara Cobham

Six people have been arrested over a banner in support of banned group Palestine Action that was draped over Westminster Bridge earlier.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement posted on X: “A group of six people unfurled a banner in support of Palestine Action on Westminster Bridge.

“Officers were quickly on scene, the banner had been removed and the six people involved have been arrested for supporting a proscribed organisation.”

Met Police reiterates calls to protesters to reconsider

12:44 , Tara Cobham

The Metropolitan Police has reiterated its calls to protesters planning on taking part in a rally in support of banned group Palestine Action to “reconsider”.

The force said in a post on X: “We continue to ask those thinking of coming to Trafalgar Square to commit offences in support of Palestine Action to reconsider for the reasons set out below.”

Around 50 pro-Palestine supporters gather in Manchester ahead of protest

12:18 , Tara Cobham

Around 50 pro-Palestine supporters have gathered in Manchester City centre ahead of a rally on Saturday.

A handful of counter protesters were also present along with a number of police keeping watch.

Many of the pro-Palestinian group stood sheltering under umbrellas to shield from the relentless rain falling on Saturday afternoon.

People take part in a demonstration organised by GM Friends of Palestine at Manchester Cathedral on Saturday (Ryan Jenkinson/PA Wire)

Protesters drape Palestine Action banners over Westminster Bridge

12:14 , Tara Cobham

A small number of protesters have draped banners over Westminster Bridge in support of banned group Palestine Action.

The campaigners from Defend Our Juries initially struggled to get the banners out in the wind, but managed to hold two banners over the north side of the bridge which read “I oppose genocide” and “I support Palestine Action”.

The group said it expects 1,500 to attend a protest in Trafalgar Square at 1pm.

Protesters unfurl a banner on Westminster Bridge as part of a demonstration organised by Defend our Juries in support of Palestine Action in Trafalgar Square, London, on Saturday (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

Pro-Palestine protest in Manchester due to begin

12:05 , Tara Cobham

The pro-Palestine protest in Manchester is due to begin.

The Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine have called the protest for midday at Manchester Cathedral.

Police step up patrols at Manchester synagogues after terror attack

11:44 , Tara Cobham

Police have stepped up patrols at synagogues across the Manchester area following the terrorist attack which killed two people.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “We’re continuing to respond effectively to emergencies in the region while ensuring that every available officer in Greater Manchester is currently deployed to provide reassurance, particularly amongst our Jewish communities, at what is a time of profound distress and sorrow.

“We have been patrolling places of worship across the city-region, with a particular focus on providing a high-visibility presence within our Jewish communities in north Manchester, Bury and Salford.”

The police investigation continues at the scene near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall (PA Wire)

Pro-Palestine protest in Manchester to get underway soon following attack in city

11:20 , Tara Cobham

The pro-Palestine protest in Manchester is set to get underway at midday.

The Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine have called the protest at Manchester Cathedral to mark “two years of genocide” in Gaza, coming ahead of the anniversary of Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.

It comes two days after the attack on a synagogue in Manchester and amid police pleas not to protest.

Police still questioning six as investigation continues into synagogue attack

11:00 , Tara Cobham

Police are continuing to question six people arrested as part of investigations into the background of Manchester synagogue terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie, who it emerged was on bail for an alleged rape at the time of the fatal attack.

On Friday night, police raided a house in Central Avenue, Bolton, while six people have been detained on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts as part of the investigation, with counter-terrorism police saying they will seek warrants to give them extra time to continue questioning them.

Police are continuing to question six people arrested as part of investigations into the background of Manchester synagogue terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie (PA)

Jewish charity leader accuses politicians of allowing antisemitism to flourish in UK

10:40 , Tara Cobham

Politicians and wider society have allowed antisemitism and incitement to flourish in the UK, a leader of the Community Security Trust has said.

Dave Rich, director of policy at the charity which provides security to the Jewish community, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The levels of anti-Jewish hatred and extremism and incitement have been allowed to grow over the last few years.

“I think that’s where the outrage should be directed.

“I think there are a lot of people who could step up and do better. I think you look across Government and police is where people first look. But I think you could look at regulators as well. I think you could look at some of the sermons in mosques after October 7, which were really off the charts with the incitement.

“I think you could look at what goes on on social media every single day. If people knew how much, how many people went online every single day to talk about killing Jews, they’d be absolutely horrified. And social media platforms do less now than they even did in the past to deal with that.

“And I think more broadly, across civil society and across parts of industry, there is an inability to recognise antisemitism or a reluctance to deal with incitement in ways that have just allowed it to grow.

“And I think the anger is directed there and I think a lot of Jewish people will be saying okay, the sympathy is great, but where’s the action?”

Calls to widen police power to ban pro-Palestine protests after synagogue attack

10:20 , Tara Cobham

Police powers should be strengthened to ban “disgraceful” Pro-Palestine protests set to go ahead in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack, the shadow home secretary has said.

Organisers of demonstrations in Manchester and London are defying calls by Sir Keir Starmer and police bosses to reconsider following the killing of two people in the terror attack.

But Tory Cabinet minister Chris Philp said he would “go further than saying simply they should step back”.

Campaigners from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign previously taking part in a protest outside Downing Street, London (PA Wire)

Allowing antisemitism any 'space at all' can lead to attacks like synagogue killing, Philp says

10:00 , Tara Cobham

Allowing antisemitism any “space at all” can lead to attacks such as the Manchester synagogue killing, Chris Philp has said as he argued for stronger powers to prevent pro-Palestine marches.

The shadow home secretary told BBC Breakfast: “I think the way these protests have been organised, which are static, means that the police under the Public Order Act 1986 don’t have the power in law to prevent them.

“So I do think we should follow the advice of John Woodcock, Lord Walney, who is reviewing the law in this area, to say that it should be widened to allow static demonstrations to be banned if it would cause serious public disruption.”

He backed crossbench peer Lord Walney’s advice that if there is “a significant cumulative impact on a particular community, in this case, the Jewish community, that should be taken into account as well”.

Mr Philp added: “If you allow anti-Jewish sentiment, antisemitism any sort of space at all, then you find sometimes it leads to tragedies like the one on Thursday.”

'Phenomenally tone deaf' for protests to go ahead, Jewish charity leader says

09:40 , Tara Cobham

It is “phenomenally tone deaf” for pro-Palestine protests to go ahead in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack, a leader of the Community Security Trust said.

Dave Rich, director of policy at the charity which provides security to the Jewish community, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think it’s phenomenally tone deaf, to say the least, for so many people who claim to care about human rights and care about freedoms, to be taking police resources away from protecting the rights and freedoms of Jewish people to live their lives and go to synagogue in safety, all to support a proscribed terrorist organisation, which is not the same thing as supporting the Palestinians. The two are not the same.

“And I think it’s remarkably self absorbed and insensitive to say the least.”

A woman wears the flag of Israel wrapped over her back as she attends a vigil for the victims of the attack in Crumpsall on Friday (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Pro-Palestine protest organiser says heeding calls to cancel it would be 'unwise'

09:16 , Tara Cobham

A member of the group behind a pro-Palestine protest in London on Saturday said it would be “unwise” to heed calls to cancel it.

Human rights campaigner Sir Jonathon Porritt told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I have no doubt whatsoever that everyone taking part in the Defend Our Juries’s silent vigil today will demonstrate huge respect and real grief for those affected by the absolute atrocity at Heaton Park.

“But I don’t think that means that we should be asked to give up on our right to stand up for those who are being devastated by an ongoing, real-time genocide in Gaza.”

Asked about calls from politicians to delay the protest, he said: “I think that would be an unwise move for Defend Our Juries. We’ve been persistent in trying to bring these concerns to the attention of the Government.”

There would be “nothing disrespectful” about the “silent vigil”, whose attendees would have the “deepest concern about growing levels of antisemitism” in the UK, Sir Jonathon said.

'Disgraceful' pro-Palestine marches to go ahead, shadow home secretary says

09:15 , Tara Cobham

It is “disgraceful” that pro-Palestine marches are set to go ahead in the wake of the deadly Manchester synagogue attack, Tory shadow home secretary Chris Philp has said.

“I don’t think these protests should go ahead at all,” he told BBC Breakfast.

“I think it’s extremely insensitive, grossly insensitive to the Jewish community in Manchester, but across the whole United Kingdom, who are still grieving following the appalling murder that we saw on Thursday morning.

“And secondly, both the police in Greater Manchester, but also the Metropolitan Police in London have said that the resources, the police resources required to police these protests mean they may not be able to properly protect synagogues and the Jewish community at this obviously very sensitive time.

“So for those two reasons, I think the organisers should call off these protests.

“I think it’s frankly disgraceful that they have not done so.”

It is ‘disgraceful’ that Pro-Palestine marches are set to go ahead in the wake of the deadly Manchester synagogue attack, Tory shadow home secretary Chris Philp has said (PA Archive)

Pro-Palestine protests seen thousands attend since Israel-Gaza war erupted

08:49 , Tara Cobham

Pro-Palestine protests in central London have seen thousands attend since Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.

A demonstration near Downing Street on Thursday saw 40 people arrested after clashes with police.

Six arrests were “for assaults on police officers”, the Metropolitan Police said.

The proscription of Palestine Action has become a focal point of the campaign for activists in recent months.

The previous two events have seen a total of 1,422 people arrested, the majority for supporting a proscribed organisation.

Campaigners from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign take part in a protest outside Downing Street (PA Wire)

Demonstrations come after fatal car and stabbing attack at synagogue

07:51 , Tara Cobham

The protests on Saturday come after a car and stabbing attack was launched at a synagogue in Crumpsall on Thursday.

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by police within minutes of launching the fatal attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed while preventing Al-Shamie from entering the synagogue. Three others remain in hospital after being injured in the car and stabbing attack.

The police investigation continues at the scene near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two people died in a terror attack (PA Wire)

Defend Our Juries rejects calls to reconsider holding demonstration

07:47 , Tara Cobham

Defend Our Juries rejected the calls to reconsider holding their demonstration.

A spokesman said the group “stood in solidarity” with the Jewish community over the attack.

He said: “It couldn’t be clearer that tomorrow’s action, which is in Trafalgar Square and not near any synagogue, is about defying the Government’s absurdly authoritarian proscription of Palestine Action and the Government’s complicity in the genocide being committed by the Israeli government.

“Yesterday’s attack was actual terrorism and we join others across the country in condemning it unreservedly and we urge the Home Secretary and the police to prioritise protecting the community, instead of arresting entirely peaceful protesters.

“Cancelling peaceful protests lets terror win.

“It’s more important than ever to defend our democracy, including our fundamental rights to peaceful protest and freedom of speech, and to take a stand tomorrow against killing and against oppression, and for peace and justice for all.”

A protest was organised by Defend Our Juries in Parliament Square in London in September (PA Wire)

Senior police said covering protests would stretch resources

07:46 , Tara Cobham

The leaders of the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police had said covering protests would stretch resources.

Police forces have deployed extra officers to synagogues and other Jewish buildings to offer protection and reassurance in the aftermath of the attack.

Starmer urges protesters to 'respect grief of British Jews'

07:44 , Tara Cobham

Sir Keir Starmer had urged groups behind the demonstrations and attendees to “respect the grief of British Jews” as he said demonstrations could cause further pain to mourners.

The prime minister was among politicians, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who said the protests should be delayed or cancelled.

Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar said he had spoken to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and urged the Government to “fight the pro-Palestinian marches and protests”.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Victoria Starmer during a visit to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two people died in a terror attack on Thursday (PA Wire)

Pro-Palestine marches set to go ahead despite calls for them to be cancelled

07:38 , Tara Cobham

Pro-Palestine marches are set to go ahead in Manchester and London despite Sir Keir Starmer and police bosses calling for organisers to reconsider in the aftermath of two people being killed in a terror attack at a synagogue.

Defend Our Juries will protest at midday in support of Palestine Action in central London. At the same time, a pro-Palestine demonstration will be held at Manchester Cathedral.

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