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Nationwide Protests Erupt in UK Over Palestine Action Ban, Gaza Genocide

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Demonstrations calling for a reversal of the decision to proscribe Palestine Action have taken place across the UK, with at least 55 protesters arrested in Westminster. The protests come as the Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill accused the UK Government of being "complicit" in the genocide unfolding in Gaza. MacAskill, a former Justice Secretary, said that the UK's actions were not just an insidious attack on civil liberties, but also undermining the country's democracy.

As the march began in Edinburgh, protesters held banners reading "We will not be silenced" and "UK Govt is corrupt." The demonstration, led by figures such as Lesley Riddoch and Kenny MacAskill, aimed to criticize the UK Government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action and its alleged complicity in the genocide in Gaza.

During the speech, MacAskill mentioned that the UK's actions go beyond just arms sales, but also include military intelligence through GCHQ and RAF Akrotiri. He emphasized the need for the UK to end arm sales and stop aiding and abetting war crimes.

Former SNP MSP Tommy Sheppard urged boycotts of Scottish Enterprise, stating that the organization's relationship with arms manufacturing companies needed to be ended. He compared the situation to the 1970s and 1980s, when people fought against apartheid and boycotted Barclays.

Campaign group Defend Our Juries noted that no arrests were made of 11 activists who held signs saying "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." However, two people were charged in Scotland for a sign and t-shirt that said "Genocide in Palestine. Time to take action."

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 55 protesters were arrested in Westminster during nationwide demonstrations calling for a reversal of the decision to proscribe Palestine Action.
  • Alba Party leader Kenny MacAskill accused the UK Government of being "complicit" in the genocide unfolding in Gaza, stating that the UK's actions were undermining democracy and civil liberties.
  • Protesters held banners reading "We will not be silenced" and "UK Govt is corrupt" during the march in Edinburgh.
  • Lesley Riddoch and Kenny MacAskill led the demonstration, which criticized the UK Government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action.
  • Former SNP MSP Tommy Sheppard urged boycotts of Scottish Enterprise, citing the organization's relationship with arms manufacturing companies.
  • Campaign group Defend Our Juries noted that no arrests were made of 11 activists who held signs saying "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."

Statistics:

  • At least 55 protesters were arrested in Westminster.
  • 86 arrests were made across the UK last weekend.
  • 11 activists held signs saying "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action" without being arrested.
  • Two people were charged in Scotland for a sign and t-shirt that said "Genocide in Palestine. Time to take action."

Sources:

  • Laura Pollock (@laura_pollock_) Twitter
  • Newsquest
  • Defend Our Juries (@DefendourJuries) Twitter
  • Alba Party
  • Lesley Riddoch
  • Kenny MacAskill
  • Tommy Sheppard
  • Scottish Enterprise

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