The Met requested a delay to the latest in a series of demonstrations in support of the proscribed group after resources were stretched thin by the terror attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation
October 3, 2025 11:45
The organisers of a series of demonstrations in support of the proscribed Palestine Action group have refused a request from police to delay their next protest in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack.
Two men, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, were killed in the car-ramming and knife attack at Heaton Park Synagogue on Thursday, during Yom Kippur.
As the investigation into the tragedy continues, the Metropolitan Police asked Defend Our Juries, whose protests have seen several hundred people arrested on suspicion of displaying signs in support of Palestine Action in violation of its proscription, to postpone its next attempt at mass lawbreaking.
The demonstrations, at which activists hold signs reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”, are by organisers’ own admission designed to test the police’s enforcement of the proscription by deliberately violating laws against such displays of support.
The Met issued its request in light of the fact that counter-terror resources across the country have been stretched thin by the Manchester attack.
However, Defend Our Juries rejected the request, replying: “Don’t arrest us then.”
While condemning the synagogue attack, the group added: “As I’m sure you will understand, the protection of our democracy and the prevention of countless deaths are critical issues. Therefore, our protest will go ahead as planned for this Saturday.
“We urge you therefore to choose to prioritise protecting the community, rather than arresting those peacefully holding signs in opposition to the absurd and draconian ban of a domestic direct action
group.
“We hope you make the right choice to not arrest those taking part, and correctly deploy counter-terrorism resources this weekend.”
More than 1,500 people are expected to gather in Trafalgar Square, with the Met now forced to deploy a significant number of officers to police the protest.
A spokesperson for the force said: “The horrific terrorist attack that took place in Manchester yesterday will have caused significant fear and concern in communities across the UK, including here in London.
“Yet, at a time when we want to be deploying every available officer to ensure the safety of those communities, we are instead having to plan for a gathering of more than 1,000 people in Trafalgar Square on Saturday in support of a terrorist organisation.
“By choosing to encourage mass law breaking on this scale, Defend Our Juries are drawing resources away from the communities of London at a time when they are needed most.
“We urge them to do the responsible thing and delay or cancel their plans.”
Likewise, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also called for a pause in pro-Palestine protests, urging those considering of attending marches over the weekend to reconsider “as an act of kindness” to the Jewish community.
Speaking on LBC, she said: “To people thinking about protesting over the weekend, take a step back and think how you would feel if it was your father who had been murdered.
An act of kindness to allow people to process and to grieve, I think we should show love and solidarity to those suffering.
"The things people want to protest about aren't going away any time soon.”
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