JSO pro-Palestine offshoot extremists say 'we claimed London' after Marble Arch blockade

Members of a Just Stop Oil-linked group, who blocked Marble Arch with a sit-down protest against the war in Gaza today and inaction on climate change, said they had "claimed the streets of London."

Youth Demand and JSO are two of four protest groups sitting beneath a larger one called Umbrella, which aims to bring about "revolution," according to their websites.

Today, Youth Demand activists held a demo in Russell Square Gardens from 12pm.

Initially, the group complained of police being heavy handed, saying everyone was searched, posting on X: "This is how the police respond to a peaceful demonstration for Gaza in 2024. Will those who are selling weapons to be used to murder children receive the same reaction?

The group said in a news release to the action was to "demand a two-way arms embargo on Israel and for the new UK government to halt all new oil and gas licences granted since 2021."

Later, many broke away into Marble Arch where they staged a sit-down protest against the war, which blocked traffic.

Video showing coloured flares being set off and people draped in Palestinian flags were also posted.

The group posted on X: "Despite up to 50 police officers trailing behind, young people have claimed the streets of London. We refuse to be silenced when our government is complicit in genocide."

The Met Police hit back on Twitter, saying: "Officers are in Marble Arch with protestors who have blocked oncoming traffic.

"Officers have made arrests and are working to clear the road.

"Officers arrested eight people for breaching the Section 12 Public Order Act. They have been taken to custody.

"The road is now clear and protestors are now moving from the area."

Youth Demand later said in a news release: "At around 12 pm, Youth Demand supporters began gathering at Russell Square Gardens.

"All attendees of the march were subject to intimidating body searches by a large group of police on arrival. The Youth Demand supporters heard speeches and engaged in deliberative discussions about the ongoing crisis in Gaza and what to do about it.

"At around 1:40pm, the Youth Demand supporters dispersed and marched through central London before reconvening at Marble Arch at around 2:30pm, where three police vans were waiting. Around 12 police vans and over 70 officers arrived and began arresting people by 2:45pm.

"Youth Demand will be taking action in Central London this week to Demand the new Labour Government cease facilitating genocide at home and abroad by stopping all buying and selling of weapons with the Israeli regime, whilst also committing to reverse all oil and gas licences granted in the UK since 2021."