Pro-Palestine Advocate Upholds Decision to Gather at Parliament
The PSC described the attempt to enter Parliament as one of the largest physical lobbies in history.
A pro-Palestine campaigner defended the effort to gather outside Parliament, expressing a desire for a large turnout to prompt the shutdown of Parliament.
Ben Jamal, the director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), defended the attempt to bring around 3,000 protesters into Parliament, stating that peaceful protests outside MPs’ offices are acceptable.
The campaign coincided with MPs discussing whether to call for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. Slogans, including the controversial chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” were projected onto the Elizabeth Tower.
While the PSC was not involved in the projection, they expressed support for it.
A video from The Times of London showed Mr. Jamal encouraging a large turnout of protesters to create the biggest lobbying event in parliamentary history.
Despite most participants being non-violent, concerns about threats and aggression from some pro-Palestine protesters and extremists have emerged.
The PSC stated that most protesters were denied entry and had to queue for over 4 hours in the rain due to a special procedure limiting entry for pro-Palestinian protesters.
Mr. Jamal denied that the group’s tactics were a threat to MPs, emphasizing the importance of democratic accountability and the right for the public to meet with their MPs.
Critics have raised concerns about perceived anti-Semitic nature of some slogans and signs at the protests.
Shadow Wales Secretary Jo Stevens’s office was vandalized last year, and Justice Minister Mike Freer announced his plans to leave politics due to threats and an arson attack on his office.
Mr. Jamal emphasized the group’s respect for MPs’ privacy and denied calling for protests outside MPs’ homes.
Mr. Ellwood criticized the PSC, stating that attempts to pressure MPs undermine democracy.
Lord Walney, the government’s adviser on political violence, noted a militant approach from the protesters that aims to intimidate MPs.
