29 people arrested at protest in support of banned Palestine Action
Palestine Action lost a late-night Court of Appeal challenge on Friday which sought to stop the protest group being banned, less than two hours before the new legislation came into force at midnight.
Police lead 83-year-old Reverend Sue Parfitt away from the protest site (Jeff Moore/PA)
The designation as a terror group means that membership of, or support for, Palestine Action is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The move to ban the organisation was announced after two Voyager aircraft were damaged at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20, an incident claimed by Palestine Action, which police said caused around £7 million of damage.
The force posted on X saying: 'Officers are responding to a protest in support of Palestine Action in Parliament Square.
'The group is now proscribed and expressing support for them is a criminal offence. Arrests are being made.
'Further updates will be shared here.'
Metropolitan Police officers detain people during the protest (Jeff Moore/PA)
The Met later posted: 'UPDATE: Officers have arrested more than 20 people on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.
'They have been taken into custody.
'Palestine Action is a proscribed group and officers will act where criminal offences are committed.'
The force posted another update on X on Saturday evening to say 29 arrests had been made and added that they remain in custody.
A group had earlier said it was set to gather in Parliament Square on Saturday holding signs supporting Palestine Action, according to campaign group Defend Our Juries.
The demo was in support of Palestine Action, organised by the Defend Our Juries group (Pol Allingham/PA)
In a letter to the Home Secretary, protesters said: 'We do not wish to go to prison or to be branded with a terrorism conviction, but we refuse to be cowed into silence by your order.'
Leslie Tate, 76, a Green councillor from Hertfordshire, said: 'Palestine Action are not a violent organisation, and the proscription is wrong.
'You do know, of course, that they were proscribed by Parliament with two other groups involved – all three at once – so that was a trick to make sure the Bill went through.
'The evidence from their actions that they've taken from the start of Palestine Action is that they all have been non-violent.
'This protest is necessary to defend our democracy, and this is the creeping edge of totalitarianism, frankly.
'We thought they (the police) would probably take pictures of people. It's the obvious thing to do, to photograph them, then they have their identity, rather than make arrests.'
Demonstrators rallied in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament Square, central London (Jeff Moore/PA)
Metropolitan Police circled around dozens of protesters standing quietly beneath the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, with placards that said: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action'.
Occasional chants of 'free Palestine' broke out from the surrounding onlookers, and some criticised the police attending.
The protest started at about 1.10pm and officers were seen taking people away shortly after 1.30pm.
Reverend Sue Parfitt, 83, who was sat in a camp chair with a placards at her feet, appeared to have been taken away by officers.
Metropolitan Police officers speak to 83-year-old Reverend Sue Parfitt during the protest (Jeff Moore/PA)
A woman seen lying on the ground in handcuffs was lifted by officers and put in a police van.
While flanked by a large group of police, she said calmly: 'Free Palestine, stop the genocide, I oppose genocide, I support the rights of the Palestinian people, I support freedom of speech, I support freedom of assembly.'
Several people crowded around to film the arrest as officers placed the woman in the vehicle parked on the road behind the square, before returning to the Mahatma Gandhi statue, where almost no protesters remained.
Chants of 'shame' broke out, directed at the police, most of whom had dispersed by 2.10pm.
Police lead a protester away from Parliament Square holding a banner in support of Palestine Action (Jeff Moore/PA)
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action on June 23, stating that the vandalism of the two planes was 'disgraceful' and that the group had a 'long history of unacceptable criminal damage'.
MPs in the Commons voted 385 to 26, majority 359, in favour of proscribing the group on Wednesday, before the House of Lords backed the move without a vote on Thursday.
Four people – Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, Jony Cink, 24, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36, and Lewis Chiaramello, 22 – have all been charged in connection with the incident at RAF Brize Norton.
They appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday after being charged with conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage, under the Criminal Law Act 1977.
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The Herald Scotland
41 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
The right to protest is sacrosanct - this ban is an eye-opener
Evidently, this is not a definition some governments apply to themselves. Least of all the Israeli state. Iran and other actors in the Middle East are defined as terrorist states, why not the country which is terrorising an entire population in Gaza? Nevertheless, and notwithstanding the breath taking hypocrisy of its application, it is a persuasive definition. Read More: Except that last week, Westminster effectively extended that definition to include non-violent acts against property. I choose to express my support for Palestinians through other means than those employed by Palestine Action. However, those who say they support Palestine Action, irrespective of whether they are even involved in any action of non-violent civil disobedience, could be jailed for up to 14 years. That cannot be right. There is a place for protest in our society. It's sacrosanct. It's non-negotiable. It's a human right, after all, and should be held dear by all those who seek to uphold free speech and civil liberties. On a daily basis, whether that be in our social media feeds of highly politicised algorithms, or within the column inches of our written press with particular editorial slants, there's hardly a shortage of commentators who proudly proclaim their free-speech credentials as if it's somehow a twisted game of top trumps. There's a plethora of largely repetitive, shock-jock media personalities whose entire existence is predicated on being able to say what they want, free from consequences or persecution, because of our right to expression. They're all oddly silent on this one. Curious. The champions of speech appear to have lost their voice. Where are they then in the charging of activists who protest genocide and speak up for Palestine? They're found missing in action. Our history is teeming with examples of acts of civil disobedience. From blockades to boycotts to occupations, there are a range of tactics groups use to get the message across. They may have to face criminal consequences and often history is the judge of whether their cause is just. But terrorists? I don't think so. Taking action to protest injustice has a long history in the trade union movement. The word "strike" itself originates from the actions of sailors in who removed the sails of their bosses' ships, rendering them immobile. The Upper Clyde shipbuilders 'work-in' of 1971-72, where workers occupied the yards, is one of the most seminal and successful actions in our movement's history. It also explains why we still have any shipbuilding left on the Clyde today. In 2017, workers in Fife used those same tactics – illegally occupying the Bifab renewable yards – to prevent them closing. They were praised by politicians across much of the political spectrum, and rightly so. And of course, a hundred years ago the suffragettes used civil disobedience, including disrupting events and damaging property, to fight for women's right to vote. It may have been controversial at the time, but it helped win women the right to vote. I've done it myself. In response to P&O's abhorrent sacking, en masse, of their staff, alongside the RMT and Nautilus, we blockaded the entrance to Cairnryan. There have been been flashmobs, musical interludes, walkouts, impromptu speeches in hospitality venues during full service – the tactics are varied. They're all forms of direct action. If I was arrested, does that mean I should be charged as a terrorist? Hardly. Why then should it be different for those protesting for Palestine? There is more than a suspicion that it's the issue not the nature of the protest that some people have a problem with. You may not agree with Palestine Action's tactics, messaging, or political objectives. In fact, there have been times when their actions have alienated our members - defence workers who are just going to work. But there's a huge difference between protesting and engaging in actions of civil disobedience and then proscribing that under terrorism offences. You don't necessarily have to agree with the tactics of a direct-action group to know that it's not acts of domestic terrorism. To say so, as was decreed by Parliament on Wednesday night, is deeply misguided. The vote itself, lobbing in Palestine Action with the rather worryingly named neo-Nazi Moldovan 'Maniacs Murder Cult' and the Russian Imperial Movement group, hammers home the ham-fisted way ministers have sought to look tough on protesters. Politicians didn't have a choice on the merits of banning each group individually. Whilst I'm sure there's many good reasons for banning a group called 'Maniacs Murder Cult', for example, to punt them all together is a deliberate muddying of the waters by the Home Secretary in a flagrant attempt of false equivalence. Imagine these powers in the hands of a far-right government? These powers could be extended to any group the Government doesn't like – including trade unions. In fact, just look across the pond where last month David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union was arrested and jailed as he observed the ICE raids in Los Angeles. If the apparatus of the state can be rallied to use wide-ranging, broad-brush legislation to stamp out, what could be, legitimate protest then we must take a stand. We do so because the trade union movement doesn't just pick and choose which parts of freedom of expression and protest, we like and don't like. Unlike the self-titled free-speech champions who have mysteriously abandoned their post on this one, we'll stay consistent. Protesting genocide is not terrorism. Speaking up for Gaza should be treated the same as advocating any other cause and any attempt to unduly criminalise those who do should be resisted. Roz Foyer is general secretary of the STUC
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
UK's arsenal of nuclear bombers will be protected by garden fence just 5 FEET tall – amid fury over Brize Norton breach
THE UK's deadly arsenal of nuclear bomber jets will only be protected by a 5ft garden fence amid fury over the Brize Norton breach. Britain's state-of-the-art warplanes across the country are being 'guarded' by flimsy wooden fences and even hedgerows in a huge security risk, according to a new investigation by the Telegraph. 8 New F-35 bombers are nuclear-capable 8 The jets will reportedly be protected by a 5ft-high fence that could be scaled by saboteurs Credit: The Telegraph 8 Other bases were also at risk with flimsy defences Credit: The Telegraph The outlet found that some of the RAF's most critical airbases could be waltzed into by determined activists or enemy agents with barely a barbed wire in sight. In one shocking case, a 5ft chain-link fence was all that stood between infiltrators and a base tipped to host Britain's new nuclear-ready F-35 fighter jets. At other bases, entire sections of the perimeter are protected by garden-style wooden fences, patchy CCTV, or even nothing at all – making them sitting ducks for intruders, according to findings. It comes after huge security concerns were raised in recent weeks following a break in at RAF Brize Norton. An estimated £7million of damage was inflicted at the Oxfordshire air base including military aircraft sprayed with paint during the raid. The group Palestine Action have claimed the damage on two Voyager aircraft was carried out by them. The group has since vowed to strike again, naming two more RAF bases as future targets, including one that trains the UK's top military officers. The Telegraph, which accessed a secret meeting of the group, reports that one of the bases has a four-mile stretch of perimeter made up of broken fences, drystone walls, or open access points. Shocking findings also revealed that there were also two gates that are simply left open. Another site had three unmanned gate barriers with gaping holes in between, giving infiltrators a straight run onto the grounds. UK military ready for war Greg Bagwell former Air Marshal RAF says One of the bases targeted is reportedly linked to Elbit Systems UK, a weapons firm repeatedly targeted by activists. And while some 10ft black metal fences have recently gone up on site, huge gaps remain. Even the RAF's main intelligence hub isn't safe, with 700 metres of its perimeter protected by a mix of hedges and low metal fencing. There is no barbed wire in sight and a handy escape route leads straight onto the A15. Nearby, another base is protected only by a 6ft-high, garden-style wooden fence for almost 1.5 miles along its north and eastern perimeter. The major base is home to RAF Typhoon fighter squadrons. Insiders admitted to the Telegraph that the defences were 'not perfect'. Security experts have already warned the sites' weaknesses are clearly visible on Google Street View and is highly likely to have already been assessed by activists and foreign agents. 8 The 5ft high chain link fence Credit: The Telegraph 8 It comes after RAF Brize Norton was broken into and vandalised Credit: Alamy 8 Security experts have already warned against the fence Credit: The Telegraph The Telegraph claims to have handed over its dossier to the Ministry of Defence. However, it is refusing to name the bases or pinpointing the weak spots, for national security reasons. Video posted online last month showed yobs from Palestine Action vandalising Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton. Four people have since appeared in court since the attack and have been remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on July 18. It is understood that enhanced measures are in place following the infiltration at Brize Norton and that security at all bases is under review. Further 'layered' security measures are also in place inside the bases and other non-visible security measures being used include electronic motion sensors. Sources also said there were air safety limits on the height of fences that can be erected immediately next to runways. The majority of the five bases' perimeters consist of barbed wire-topped metal fencing and main gates are guarded by uniformed personnel. Frequent patrols are conducted by the RAF, police and dog units, and signs warn people to keep out. A MoD spokesperson told the Telegraph: 'We take security extremely seriously and operate a multi-layered approach to protect our sites, including fencing, patrols and CCTV monitoring. 'Following the security incident at RAF Brize Norton, we are urgently reviewing security procedures across the Defence estate and have immediately implemented a series of enhanced security measures at all sites. 'After years of hollowing out and underfunding of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Defence Review concluded that we need to invest more in this area, backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.' 8 Military aircraft were sprayed with paint during a break-in at RAF Brize Norton Credit: Unpixs
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
UK's arsenal of nuclear bombers will be protected by garden fence just 5 FEET tall – amid fury over Brize Norton breach
THE UK's deadly arsenal of nuclear bomber jets will only be protected by a 5ft garden fence amid fury over the Brize Norton breach. Britain's state-of-the-art warplanes across the country are being 'guarded' by flimsy wooden fences and even hedgerows in a huge security risk, according to a new investigation by the Telegraph. 8 8 The outlet found that some of the RAF's most critical airbases could be waltzed into by determined activists or enemy agents with barely a barbed wire in sight. In one shocking case, a 5ft chain-link fence was all that stood between infiltrators and a base tipped to host Britain's new nuclear-ready F-35 fighter jets. At other bases, entire sections of the perimeter are protected by garden-style wooden fences, patchy CCTV, or even nothing at all – making them sitting ducks for intruders, according to findings. It comes after huge security concerns were raised in recent weeks following a break in at RAF Brize Norton. An estimated £7million of damage was inflicted at the Oxfordshire air base including military aircraft sprayed with paint during the raid. The group Palestine Action have claimed the damage on two Voyager aircraft was carried out by them. The group has since vowed to strike again, naming two more RAF bases as future targets, including one that trains the UK's top military officers. The Telegraph, which accessed a secret meeting of the group, reports that one of the bases has a four-mile stretch of perimeter made up of broken fences, drystone walls, or open access points. Shocking findings also revealed that there were also two gates that are simply left open. Another site had three unmanned gate barriers with gaping holes in between, giving infiltrators a straight run onto the grounds. UK military ready for war Greg Bagwell former Air Marshal RAF says One of the bases targeted is reportedly linked to Elbit Systems UK, a weapons firm repeatedly targeted by activists. And while some 10ft black metal fences have recently gone up on site, huge gaps remain. Even the RAF's main intelligence hub isn't safe, with 700 metres of its perimeter protected by a mix of hedges and low metal fencing. There is no barbed wire in sight and a handy escape route leads straight onto the A15. Nearby, another base is protected only by a 6ft-high, garden-style wooden fence for almost 1.5 miles along its north and eastern perimeter. The major base is home to RAF Typhoon fighter squadrons. Insiders admitted to the Telegraph that the defences were 'not perfect'. Security experts have already warned the sites' weaknesses are clearly visible on Google Street View and is highly likely to have already been assessed by activists and foreign agents. 8 8 8 The Telegraph claims to have handed over its dossier to the Ministry of Defence. However, it is refusing to name the bases or pinpointing the weak spots, for national security reasons. Video posted online last month showed yobs from Palestine Action vandalising Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton. Four people have since appeared in court since the attack and have been remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on July 18. It is understood that enhanced measures are in place following the infiltration at Brize Norton and that security at all bases is under review. Further 'layered' security measures are also in place inside the bases and other non-visible security measures being used include electronic motion sensors. Sources also said there were air safety limits on the height of fences that can be erected immediately next to runways. The majority of the five bases' perimeters consist of barbed wire-topped metal fencing and main gates are guarded by uniformed personnel. Frequent patrols are conducted by the RAF, police and dog units, and signs warn people to keep out. A MoD spokesperson told the Telegraph: 'We take security extremely seriously and operate a multi-layered approach to protect our sites, including fencing, patrols and CCTV monitoring. 'Following the security incident at RAF Brize Norton, we are urgently reviewing security procedures across the Defence estate and have immediately implemented a series of enhanced security measures at all sites. 'After years of hollowing out and underfunding of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Defence Review concluded that we need to invest more in this area, backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.' 8 8
