The Metropolitan Police have warned of mass detentions if a planned protest in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action goes ahead this weekend. The force stated it would arrest anyone breaking terrorism laws, as Downing Street urged people not to attend.
The protest, organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, is expected to draw hundreds to Westminster on Saturday. Participants are encouraged to hold signs reading “I Oppose Genocide, I Support Palestine Action”. The Met, however, believes attendance will be in the low hundreds, not thousands as claimed.
The controversy follows Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to ban Palestine Action last month after activists caused an estimated £7 million of damage to jets at RAF Brize Norton. More than 200 people have already been arrested in connection with the proscription.
A Met spokesperson said the organisers aim to strain the criminal justice system. “Our officers will continue to apply the law… Anyone showing support for the group can expect to be arrested,” they said. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson added: “Any action that is in support of a proscribed group… we do not support.”
Separately, 300 left-leaning Jewish figures, including director Mike Leigh and author Michael Rosen, will deliver a letter to No 10 on Tuesday calling the ban “illegitimate and unethical”. The letter, organised by Jewish Voice for Labour, expresses “horror” at Israeli actions and urges lifting the proscription.
Defend Our Juries denied any plot to overwhelm police, stating the campaign is not organised by Palestine Action. The Met’s resources will also be stretched by a separate pro-Palestinian march and anti-immigration protests scheduled for the same day.
