A major demonstration in central London today in support of the civilians of Gaza, half of whom are children. We can’t join it for the afternoon but do stop outside Westminster underground station where the thousands of marchers are turning to cross Westminster Bridge to the south side of the river. Memories of the second demonstration against the Iraq invasion which we took part in, with over 750,000 people in the streets of London in March of 2003. A month after the initial protest with a million and a half marchers.
There were rumours that those carrying Palestinian flags and signs supporting Palestine would be arrested but clearly the police aren’t interested in pursuing that sort of thing. Although in Germany arrests have been made for waving flags. Rather distressing, as one could presumably carry the flags of Russia, China or North Korea without anyone’s objecting.
There are mounted police as well as a helicopter circling overhead, but they appear to be keeping watch with no intention of interfering unnecessarily. At the end of the day the official announcement is that there have been two arrests - one for assaulting a police officer and one for shouting racist insults. None for expressing humanitarian or even political positions.
