Ahead of tomorrow’s International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People several hundred people carried out protest blockades at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Department of Business and Trade (DBT) this morning, calling for a total arms embargo on Israel and a clear commitment to arrest war criminals in line with recent ICC warrants.
Despite recent claims that the government had banned some arms sales, in reality a mere 10% of arms licences to Israel were withdrawn, and they are fighting a High Court challenge over parts for F-35 jets which campaigners say are complicit in war crimes. Documents revealed in court suggest that the decision to continue exports was made by senior Labour figures who were anxious to reassure the US government.
Although the government has stated it would comply with domestic and international law, in recent interviews both Starmer and Yvette Cooper have dodged giving a clear commitment that Netanyahu would be arrested on UK soil.
The blockade this morning seriously restricted staff access at the FCO to one entrance, where a long queue formed. Campaigners spoke with them and handed out leaflets. One of the aims of the action was to offer solidarity to PCS union workers in government departments, many of whom requested to cease work on arms export licences to Israel in fear that it could make them complicit in war crimes.
Outsourced PCS workers at the DBT were also on strike today demanding better pay and conditions from their sub-contracted employer G4S.
The protest was entirely peaceful until large numbers of police appeared to kettle participants in King Charles Street.
Police claimed the detention was due to Section 12 and 14 conditions being imposed, but there was no evidence that protesters were informed about any conditions. Instead, as people attempted to leave, officers pushed them back aggressively and held them for nearly an hour, before finally allowing them through the cordon in small groups.
The stated aim was “to prevent serious disruption” that might be caused by a procession, but once the crowd reassembled, they wandered off into St James’ Park before dispersing of their own accord. So the whole police operation looked at the very least ill-conceived, but perhaps was designed to provoke.
Among the groups coming together for today’s protest were the Palestinian Youth Movement, Workers for a Free Palestine, Sisters Uncut, Queers for Palestine, and London for a Free Palestine, as well as many individuals.
