On Saturday, a peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstration in London was marred by a heavy-handed police response, resulting in 77 arrests, including that of Chris Nineham, co-founder of the Stop the War campaign. Nineham, acting as chief steward of the demonstration, is set to speak publicly for the first time about the crackdown on Wednesday, January 22, at the premiere of the film Censoring Palestine. The film examines systematic media suppression of narratives critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, a topic brought to the forefront by recent events.
This arrest marks a turning point in the UK’s approach to political dissent, particularly concerning the Palestine solidarity movement. Critics argue that the government’s actions, including deploying counterterrorism laws against activists and journalists, represent an unprecedented attack on civil liberties and freedom of speech.
The Context: Protests and Arrests
The events leading up to Saturday’s arrests began with the planned pro-Palestine protest at the BBC’s Langham Place headquarters. Demonstrators aimed to highlight what they see as the broadcaster’s failure to fairly report on the conflict in Gaza. However, police abruptly reneged on an agreement allowing the protest to proceed, citing the need to protect a nearby synagogue. Protesters, including members of the Jewish Bloc for Palestine, disputed this rationale, noting the synagogue was located half a mile away, down a back street.
The Jewish Bloc, comprising Holocaust survivors, descendants, and others, condemned the justification as a false portrayal of the protests as a threat to Jewish worship. A statement signed by over a thousand Jewish individuals emphasised the absence of antisemitic behaviour during previous marches. They criticised the police and political establishment for conflating pro-Palestinian activism with antisemitism to justify repression. “It is beyond time for police and politicians to start listening to Jews who support justice for Palestinians and not only to those who back Israel’s far-right government,” the statement read.
Escalating Police Tactics
Saturday’s protest saw a dramatic escalation in police tactics. Demonstrators arriving at Whitehall, the pre-arranged assembly area, were met with shifting and seemingly arbitrary conditions. Police blocked arrival routes, directed protesters into side streets, and mixed them with right-wing counter-demonstrators. Members of the Jewish Bloc faced threats of arrest but were later allowed to remain in place.
At the rally near Downing Street, tens of thousands gathered to celebrate a ceasefire in Gaza while demanding a permanent end to the occupation and arms trade with Israel. Speakers condemned the complicity of the UK’s political and media establishment, particularly the BBC, in perpetuating what they described as genocide.
As the rally concluded, a delegation of organisers, including prominent cultural figures, MPs, and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, attempted to proceed peacefully to the BBC to leave flowers and children’s toys as symbols of mourning. However, police blocked their path, leading to a tense standoff. Later, police plunged into the dispersing crowd, arresting dozens more near St. Martin-in-the-Fields and Northumberland Avenue.
Chris Nineham’s Arrest and the Broader Crackdown
Our Chris Nineham, who was violently arrested during Saturday's peaceful protest for Palestine, has a message for everyone who supports the right to protest and civil liberties – and not just on Gaza.
— Stop the War (@STWuk) January 20, 2025
We must oppose this crackdown. pic.twitter.com/Ez1nII6NPL
Chris Nineham’s arrest exemplifies the broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism. Known for his leadership in peaceful protests, Nineham’s detention signals a departure from previous policing policies. Past protests were characterised by a degree of negotiation and recognition of the right to march. However, Saturday’s events reflect a shift toward repressive tactics, using public order legislation to criminalise dissent.
This shift is underscored by the statements of Norman Thomas, producer of Censoring Palestine. Thomas called the police crackdown a “new phase in escalating state censorship,” linking it to the use of counterterrorism laws to silence journalists and activists. He criticised Labour leader Keir Starmer, accusing him of “criminalising dissent” and enabling authoritarian measures.
Media Censorship and the Narrative War
Censoring Palestine explores the media’s role in shaping public perception of the Gaza conflict. The film alleges systematic suppression of the “genocidal truth” of the conflict by mainstream outlets like the BBC. Featuring interviews with figures like film director Ken Loach and Palestine Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal, the film highlights the challenges faced by those attempting to expose the realities of the conflict.
The film is part of a broader critique of how the UK media covers international conflicts. For years, activists have accused outlets of bias, disproportionately amplifying pro-Israel perspectives while downplaying Palestinian suffering. This bias, they argue, facilitates the political and legal repression of pro-Palestinian activism.
A Warning for Civil Liberties
The crackdown on Saturday’s protest has raised alarm among human rights advocates, who view it as a bellwether for broader restrictions on civil liberties. The use of public order laws to suppress peaceful protests is seen as a dangerous precedent that could extend to other movements, including environmental and social justice campaigns.
Pro-Palestinian activism has long been a flashpoint for debates over free speech in the UK. While supporters view their cause as a legitimate fight against oppression, critics often frame their actions as a threat to public order or a cover for antisemitism. This framing has been weaponised to justify restrictions on protests, leading to a chilling effect on political dissent.
Jewish Voices for Palestine
The involvement of Jewish activists in Saturday’s protest highlights the diversity of voices within the pro-Palestinian movement. Jewish Bloc members have consistently challenged the narrative that equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. By participating in protests and speaking out against repressive measures, they provide a powerful counter-narrative to claims that pro-Palestinian activism inherently threatens Jewish communities.
Their advocacy underscores a broader point: solidarity with Palestine is not antithetical to Jewish identity. On the contrary, many Jewish activists view their support for Palestinian rights as an extension of their commitment to justice and human rights.
Political Implications and Keir Starmer’s Role
The political implications of the crackdown extend beyond the immediate context of Saturday’s protest. Critics have accused Labour leader Keir Starmer of enabling authoritarian measures against pro-Palestinian activists. His leadership has been marked by a hardline stance on internal party dissent, including suspensions and expulsions of members critical of Israel.
Starmer’s approach reflects a broader alignment with pro-Israel lobbying groups, which have pushed for stricter measures against pro-Palestinian activism. This alignment has alienated segments of the Labour base, particularly younger and more progressive members, who view the party’s stance as a betrayal of its commitment to social justice.
The Role of International Solidarity
The repression of pro-Palestinian activism in the UK is part of a global trend. Governments worldwide have increasingly used legal and extralegal measures to suppress criticism of Israel. From anti-BDS laws in the United States to restrictions on protests in Europe, the space for Palestinian solidarity movements is shrinking.
This international context underscores the importance of solidarity between movements. Environmental activists, anti-racism campaigners, and other social justice advocates have a stake in resisting the erosion of civil liberties. The crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests should serve as a rallying cry for a united defence of the right to dissent.
The Path Forward
The events of Saturday’s protest highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of policing and free speech policies in the UK. To protect civil liberties, activists and policymakers must:
- Challenge the Narrative: Counter false claims that equate pro-Palestinian activism with antisemitism or public disorder. Amplify voices from diverse communities, including Jewish activists, to challenge these narratives.
- Build Broad Coalitions: Forge alliances between pro-Palestinian activists and other movements to defend civil liberties. By demonstrating the interconnectedness of their struggles, activists can build a stronger collective resistance.
- Hold Authorities Accountable: Demand transparency and accountability from the police and government. Investigate allegations of misconduct and challenge repressive policies through legal and political channels.
- Promote Media Reform: Advocate for greater diversity and balance in media coverage of international conflicts. Support independent journalism that amplifies marginalised voices and challenges dominant narratives.
Resist Or Lose?
The repression of pro-Palestinian activism in the UK is a stark reminder of the fragility of civil liberties. As the government and police increasingly use repressive measures to silence dissent, activists face a critical choice: resist these encroachments or risk the erosion of hard-won freedoms.
By standing in solidarity with Palestine and defending the right to protest, activists uphold the principles of justice and human rights. In the face of escalating repression, their resilience offers hope for a more equitable and democratic society.