Mass Protest Outside UK Parliament: Over 400 Arrested Amid Outrage Over Palestine Action Ban
What Sparked the Demonstration?
A massive protest erupted outside the UK Parliament in London after the British government declared the Palestine Action group a terrorist organisation. The move sparked widespread anger, leading to the arrest of more than 400 people during the demonstration. Protesters gathered in large numbers to voice their opposition, waving placards and chanting slogans.
Who Organised the Protest?
The protest was organised by a group called Defend Our Juries, which reported that over 1,500 people participated in the London demonstration. Many carried signs with slogans such as:
- “I oppose genocide”
- “I support Palestinian action”
Within minutes of the protest starting, police began detaining demonstrators. Onlookers and pedestrians also joined in, chanting:
- “Shame on you!”
- “Met Police, pick a side: justice or genocide”
Arrests and Legal Charges
According to the police, over 425 people were arrested during the 8-hour protest. The charges include:
- Assaulting officers
- Public order violations
- Breaches under the Terrorism Act
More than 25 individuals were specifically booked for attacking law enforcement or disturbing public peace.
Political Developments Amid the Protests
Coinciding with the protests, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer conducted a major cabinet reshuffle on Saturday. Notably, this reshuffle brought women into key leadership roles:
- Shabana Mahmood, of Pakistani origin, was appointed as Home Secretary
- Yvette Cooper, a former Home Office official, was named Foreign Secretary
- Rachel Reeves remains as Chancellor of the Exchequer
This marks the first time in UK history that women hold all three top ministerial positions, signaling a significant shift in political leadership.
