Ten Protesters Arrested Ahead of King’s Speech in London
At least ten members of the pro-Palestine group Youth Demand were arrested by the Metropolitan Police just hours before the King’s Speech. The crackdown took place in Westminster amid tight security for the State Opening of Parliament.
Scotland Yard Confirms Arrests for Public Nuisance Plot
Scotland Yard revealed the arrests in a statement, stressing the heavy police presence across central London. Officers detained the protesters on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance after the group announced plans to disrupt the high-profile event.
“Last week, Youth Demand said they planned to disrupt the event. An hour ago, officers arrested 10 of them in Westminster on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance,” the police said.
More Protesters Held in Victoria Embankment Gardens
In addition to the initial arrests, police reported that 20 to 25 more demonstrators gathered at Victoria Embankment Gardens. Further arrests were underway as officers worked to control the protest.
Youth Demand’s Controversial Tactics Under Fire
Youth Demand has come under fire before for a protest outside Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s home.
Just days ago, the group boasted in an email about their intent to “cause chaos” at the State Opening of Parliament. They claimed their disruption was a “duty” and pledged to “non-violently fight back” while remaining hopeful for change.
“Youth Demand will be disrupting the State Opening of Parliament. We disrupt because it is our duty to fight back in every way we non-violently can and because we refuse to despair, but instead are full of hope that another way is possible.”
