• Hundreds of arrests were recorded as London protests in support of Palestine Action continued despite calls to cancel after the Manchester synagogue attack.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged calm, calling on the grief of British Jews to be respected, while activists and human rights groups voiced concerns about policing

Across central London, authorities reported hundreds of arrests during demonstrations backing Palestine Action. Channel News Asia described 442 people being detained for declaring support, while the BBC cited a higher figure of 492 arrests (with 297 in custody) and Reuters noted smaller incidents such as six arrests for displaying support and a separate banner incident on Westminster Bridge outside Parliament. These figures come as protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square and carried placards in solidarity with a group proscribed under anti-terrorism laws. according to Reuters, Channel NewsAsia, and BBC.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged restraint, telling the public to mourn without stoking tensions. Reuters and Channel News Asia quoted Starmer's message that “This is a moment of mourning. It is not a time to stoke tension and cause further pain,” while the BBC reported the PM also framed the moment as one to “respect the grief of British Jews.” The statements underscored a desire to balance civil liberties with security concerns as protests continued in the wake of Thursday’s deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue. according to Reuters, Channel NewsAsia, and BBC.

Security and policing moves were a recurring theme, with authorities warning that protests could divert officers from guarding synagogues and mosques after the Manchester attack. The BBC highlighted that ministers and police had urged postponement, while Amnesty International UK criticized the policing approach, arguing that arrests for peaceful protest were inappropriate. The Reuters and Channel News Asia coverage also noted police reassignment of resources to maintain public safety during the demonstrations. according to Reuters, Channel NewsAsia, and BBC.

Defend Our Juries, the protest group behind the rallies, defended the gatherings and called for police to prioritize protecting communities rather than enforcing the Palestine Action ban. BBC coverage also captured individual voices, including Zoe Cohen, a Jewish march participant who argued in favor of compassion for both Jewish victims of violence and Palestinians suffering in Gaza, emphasizing that “it’s possible for us to be compassionate and open our hearts to victims of multiple atrocities at one time.” Angies Zelter of Palestine Action’s supporters stressed the right to protest, saying, “We have a right to protest — Palestine Action is not violent and should never have been banned.” Reuters also noted the group’s stance and the government’s ongoing legal ban. according to Reuters, Channel NewsAsia, and BBC.