Four arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences during pro-Palestine protest
Merseyside Police said that material in support of campaign group Palestine Action was reportedly seen in the possession of a small number of protesters at the regular march for Liverpool Friends of Palestine.
More than 100 people were arrested across the country during demonstrations this weekend protesting against the proscription of Palestine Action, which was banned as a terrorist organisation in June.
Police said four people from Merseyside – a 74-year-old woman from Kensington, a 65-year-old man from Brighton-le-Sands, a 28-year-old man from Garston and a 72-year-old man from Mossley Hill – were arrested on suspicion of wearing or carrying an article supporting a proscribed organisation.
All had been taken to police stations for questioning.
Protests were held in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Truro on Saturday as part of a campaign co-ordinated by Defend Our Juries.
The Metropolitan Police said 55 people were arrested in Parliament Square under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying placards in support of Palestine Action.
Greater Manchester Police said it had arrested 16 people on Saturday on suspicion of support of a proscribed organisation, adding that they remained in custody for questioning.
Eight people were arrested near Truro Cathedral in Cornwall after protesters gathered to show support for Palestine Action.
And Avon and Somerset Police said 17 people were arrested during a protest in Bristol.
Palestine Action was banned after two Voyager aircraft were damaged at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20, an incident claimed by the direct action group, which police said caused about £7 million worth of damage.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action three days later, saying that the vandalism of the planes was 'disgraceful' and that the group had a 'long history of unacceptable criminal damage'.
The ban means that membership of, or support for, Palestine Action is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
When will Donald Trump next visit the UK?
Donald Trump will visit Scotland next week, the White House has confirmed, ahead of a separate state visit to the UK in just under two month's time. His trip will require a huge policing operation, particularly given that some protesters have said they plan to turn out to make the US president less than welcome. It will be the first time Trump has visited the country since 2023, when he and his son Eric played a new 18-hole course at his Trump International golf resort in Aberdeenshire. Speculation had been mounting about a potential visit by the president when Police Scotland confirmed it was in the early stages of planning for such an event. Here's what we know about Trump's travel plans so far. When does Trump arrive in Scotland? Confirming the president's visit at a briefing on Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump would arrive in Scotland on Friday. He will visit both of his golf courses in the country – Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire – between 25-29 of July, she told reporters. It has already been confirmed that Trump will meet with prime minister Sir Keir Starmer while in Aberdeen. 'During the visit, president Trump will meet again with prime minister Starmer to refine the great trade deal that was brokered between the United States and the United Kingdom,' said Leavitt. The Scottish government said plans were also being put in place for the president to meet first minister John Swinney. Last week Swinney said it is in "Scotland's interest" for him to meet Trump, adding that he had an "obligation" to "protect and promote" the country, adding that he would use the meeting to discuss tariffs, Gaza and Ukraine. There had also been speculation the King would host Trump in Scotland at Balmoral or Dumfries House, after Charles wrote a letter to him in February inviting him to a state visit. However, it is understood with the state visit not long after the proposed meeting both sides decided to wait until the formal gathering. Are there any Trump protests? Pro-Palestinian protesters, climate activists and trade unions have teamed up to form a "Stop Trump Coalition" ahead of the president's visit. The group is planning on getting as close to Trump's Aberdeenshire golf course as possible and drawing a huge insulting message on the beach outside, according to the Sunday Times. 'We anticipate he will be flying in, possibly on a helicopter. We'll make sure from the air that he will see our presence," trade unionist Tommy Campbell told the newspaper. 'We want to make sure that there's no red carpet laid out for him when he comes to Scotland... I can't take away the fact that his mother is Scottish. But he's certainly not Scottish.' Campbell said the group is confident it will attract hundreds of protesters and is "aiming for more", which is likely to put pressure on an already under resourced Police Scotland. The Scottish Police Federation, which represents 98% of Police Scotland officers, is reportedly seeking legal advice about the president's visit over concerns the force does not have capacity to manage the event. General secretary David Kennedy told STV: "We do not have enough police officers in Scotland. Anyone that says we do, I don't know where they get those figures from." What has Trump said about the UK recently? The so-called "special relationship" between the UK and the US is arguably often overstated, but Starmer has been working to strengthen ties with his American counterpart since entering office. During the G7 summit in Canada last month, the two leaders hammered out the outline of a trade agreement that would see tariffs on British cars and slashed from 25% to 10% and a removal of tariffs on aerospace goods. Speaking at the meeting of world leaders, Trump said: 'The UK is very well protected, you know why? Because I like them. That's their ultimate protection.' Praising Starmer for his leadership in an interview with the BBC in January, Trump described the prime minister as a "very good guy". "I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him," he added. Last week Trump waded into British energy policy, telling the BBC that the north-east of Scotland – the oil and gas capital of Europe – should 'get rid of the windmills and bring back the oil'. There has also been some tension between the UK and key figures of the Trump administration, however, with vice president JD Vance claiming in February that free speech in the country was "in retreat". Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he also said Brexit voters had been betrayed by elites opening 'the floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants', the Telegraph reported. When is Trump's historic state visit? The president will return to the UK between 17 and 19 September for an unprecedented second state visit. Other world leaders have visited Britain multiple times, but Trump will be the first elected leader in modern history to be invited for two state visits, following his first in 2019. Some, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, called for the trip to be rescheduled so Trump would visit while Parliament was sitting, giving the president a chance to make a speech to the Houses. However, earlier this month, Trump told the BBC he didn't want MPs to be forced to return on his account, telling the broadcaster: "I think let them go and have a good time." He said his plans for th visit were to "have a good time and respect King Charles, because he's a great gentleman". The full details of the visit have not yet been released, but it will include a full ceremonial welcome and a state banquet at St George's Hall in Windsor Castle. Meanwhile, anti-Trump campaigners have said they plan to stage a mass demonstration in central London on the first day of his trip. Read more Scots police federation consider legal action over planning for Donald Trump visit (The Daily Record) New US Visa fee is introduced - are holidaymakers from the UK impacted? (The London Standard) Protesters warn JD Vance 'resistance will be waiting' as he prepares for Cotswolds family holiday (The Independent)
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Three arrested for allegedly supporting proscribed terrorist organisation
Three men have been arrested in connection with terror offences for allegedly showing support for a proscribed terrorist organisation. On Monday at around 1.30pm, a 58-year-old man was arrested outside the Scottish Parliament for waving a sign that expressed support for such an organisation. On Saturday, two men, aged 78 and 60, were arrested during a protest, where the two allegedly showed support for a proscribed organisation. The three were arrested in connection with the Terrorism Act 2000. Police Scotland says a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
10-year-old boy who died in bus crash named by police
A 10-year-old boy who died in a bus crash while returning from a school trip to a zoo has been named by police. Oliver Price was killed when the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead, Somerset, and slid down a 20ft slope last Thursday, Avon and Somerset Police said. The bus had been carrying 60 to 70 pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School, who were returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo days before the end of term. Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: 'Our thoughts are first and foremost with Oliver's family at what must be an unimaginably difficult time. We will continue to make sure they're updated. 'Our investigation is now well under way with officers working tirelessly to find out what caused it. This work is likely to take some time and we're asking for patience while these inquiries take place. 'Over the last few days we have been working closely with our partner agencies and the school to ensure support is in place for anyone who might need it. 'We are extremely grateful for all the support that's been received locally. This clearly shows how special and close-knit this community is. 'I would like to also thank all the emergency services and voluntary groups who responded for their support as well as everyone in our hospitals who continue to help those who were injured.' A number of children were discharged from hospital over the weekend while two children and three adults remain in hospital, the force said. It is understood that those still in hospital are now in a stable condition. The crash happened between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe at about 3.15pm on July 17. The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the road, down a steep slope. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. Avon and Somerset Police said officers from the serious collision investigation team have been examining the circumstances of the incident. The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination by experts. 'Officers have also been taking statements from a number of adults who were either on the coach or were travelling in the area at the time as part of their work to establish the full circumstances of the collision,' a force spokesman said. 'The examination of the scene has been completed, however, the road remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council.' Following the tragedy, a stream of people visited the school, which has pupils aged between nine and 14, to pay respects and leave tributes at the gates after the crash. Many were visibly upset and were hugging and supporting each other. Online fundraisers for those affected have raised more than £25,000.
