Sir Jonathon Porritt, renowned environmentalist and former advisor to King Charles, was among 31 individuals arrested this afternoon during a large-scale protest in Bristol. The demonstration, organised by Defend Our Juries, aimed to challenge the UK government’s ban on the protest group Palestine Action.
The event began at 1 p.m. on College Green, where predominantly elderly protesters gathered near the ornamental water feature in front of City Hall. Participants peacefully sat with placards bearing the message: “I oppose genocide I support Palestine Action.” The 75-year-old Sir Jonathon remained silent as police escorted him away.
Palestine Action was banned earlier this year under the Terrorism Act 2000 after members attempted to disrupt military operations at RAF Brize Norton. The group seeks to halt Israeli military actions in Gaza, which it describes as genocide. The Home Secretary proscribed Palestine Action alongside other groups such as Hezbollah and al Qaeda, citing security concerns.
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The Bristol protest involved significant police presence, with 16 police vans stationed nearby. Officers quickly approached each seated protester, informing them that supporting Palestine Action was illegal and that they faced arrest. Protesters who resisted were physically carried to waiting police vehicles. Fellow demonstrators applauded and rang bells in solidarity with those arrested.
Two additional individuals were detained outside the main sit-in for public order offenses. The arrests spanned over three hours, from the first at 1:15 p.m. to the last at 4:26 p.m. Similar protests took place simultaneously in other UK cities, including Birmingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Exeter, where no arrests occurred.
Defend Our Juries has mounted a legal challenge against the government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action, currently before the Court of Appeal. The group has called the wave of protests “the most widespread civil resistance in modern UK history,” emphasizing the importance of defending free speech and the right to protest.
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries criticized the government’s rationale for the ban, arguing it was driven by the desire to protect arms companies rather than public safety. They highlighted Palestine Action’s peaceful approach and advocated for transparency and accountability amid allegations of war crimes in Gaza.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they were prepared for mass arrests and emphasized their commitment to facilitating lawful and peaceful protests while enforcing the law. Protesters were reminded that publicly supporting a proscribed organization remains a criminal offense under current legislation.