A ‘Q’ word day of protest that still impacted on police resources

Chris Hobbs follows an uneventful protest that nevertheless impacted officers who were either taken away from their normal duties or who had lost a precious day off.

The relatively newly formed group who named themselves, ‘Youth Demand’ are an offshoot of Just Stop Oil but with a focus on events in Gaza. It was anticipated that they would use similar tactics to those seen recently where they gathered for a rally in a public place, indulged in some speechmaking and chanting before setting off in small groups before ‘reassembling.’ For action which involved obstructing a traffic junction for a short while before police intervention.

On this occasion their initial RVP was Russell Square Gardens, watched initially by a handful of police. However, as the protesters prepared to split into smaller groups, a large number of police arrived and those participating in the protest were searched. The issue became a little more complex when a male, sporting a large Israeli flag linked to a Union Jack began parading amongst the protesters doubtless hoping to provoke a violent reaction. There was none.

Eventually he was steered away by police, searched and then allowed to continue his wanderings. The Youth Demand activists then divided into small groups and left the park in different directions followed by small groups of police. The situation resembled a child’s ‘hide and seek’ game and one group then split into two. Both disappeared into different entrances at Euston Station followed by police. At this point, I’d had enough and made my way to Whitehall and then Parliament Square. At Parliament Square there was a small unpoliced l protest against the Iranian regime and, at this point, I was informed that Youth Demand had reassembled at Marble Arch where again they had brought traffic to a halt.

By the time I arrived, the incident was over: Large numbers of police carriers were visible and I was told there had been five arrests. Interestingly a large section of Hyde Park had been segregated off for a British Summer Time music event which, on this particular evening, starred Kylie Minogue and large crowds were pouring through the park entrances.

The protesters were instantly recognisable by the two Palestine flags flying above their seated group who were ‘debriefing.’ Their numbers seemed in excess of those who had originally gathered in Russell Square which gave credence to the theory promulgated by seasoned observers that other protesters were kept in reserve, out of sight of police.

The question police public order commanders would doubtless be asking is what tactics will be employed by Youth Demand protesters just four days later, during the State Opening of Parliament which they have pledged to disrupt. In the aftermath of the assassination attempt of Donald Trump, this unwelcome distraction will present additional public order and security challenges to the Met.

Chris Hobbs is a former Special Branch officer who follows protests for Police Oracle. 

Category: OpsPublic Order