Pro-Palestine protestors are set to mobilise in five UK cities on Remembrance Day, with plans for “highly coordinated” protests revealed by an undercover investigation. The Youth Demand group intends to cause disruption in the name of Palestine in major cities across the UK next week.
The activist group held a clandestine meeting on November 2, joining forces with Just Stop Oil at a central London bar for an exclusive event. Over 50 activists gathered at West Dock for the event, titled ‘Politics is Broken: People’s Assembly and After Party’, where discussions on policy, speeches, and vegan food and drinks were shared. Youth Demand activist Arthur Clifton unveiled the group’s strategy to cause disruption starting on November 11, coinciding with Armistice Day.
Clifton, a 23-year-old who attended Latymer Upper School, announced plans for protests in five cities involving road blockades, causing disruption while evading arrests. The strategy aims at a nationwide level of highly coordinated chaos, with hints at further disruptions around Black Friday at the end of November. The group’s Telegram channel called for activists to join nationally coordinated actions across the country, with a focus on disrupting Remembrance events in five cities.
During the meeting, Just Stop Oil activist Sam Griffiths emphasised the need to continue taking action despite facing repression. He criticised the Labour government’s investment in carbon capture technology, advocating for a focus on cutting emissions instead. The gathering, organised by the collective network Umbrella, involved groups like Just Stop Oil and Youth Demand and took place at Dockside Vaults near the Tower of London, with security oversight and free vegan meals provided.
The Royal British Legion expressed their anticipation that Remembrance events nationwide would proceed without disruption, emphasising the importance of the Two-Minute Silence on Armistice Day for remembrance. The Metropolitan Police warned that any attempts to disrupt Armistice Day events would be met with swift and robust action to protect the solemnity of the occasion.
The planned protests by pro-Palestine activists have sparked concerns about potential disruptions to traditional Remembrance events. The police are prepared to intervene swiftly to prevent any interference with the solemn ceremonies honouring those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
In conclusion, the upcoming protests by Youth Demand activists aim to voice concerns about Palestine but have raised alarm over potential disruptions to Armistice Day commemorations. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that Remembrance events proceed undisturbed.