Hundreds of Youth Demand supporters have blocked Oxford Circus to demand a two-way arms embargo on Israel and for the incoming UK government to halt all new oil and gas licences granted since 2021. [1]
At around 12 pm a large group of Youth Demand supporters gathered at Victoria Embankment Gardens. The group heard speeches and held a people’s assembly- a deliberative discussion about the crisis and what to do about it. The group then dispersed, with groups marching through central London before reconvening at Oxford Circus, at around 14:50. Police arrived on the scene and as of 15:40 over twenty have been arrested.
One of those taking action this afternoon is Poppy Jabelman, 23, a human geography student from Exeter who said:
“We’re demanding a two way arms embargo with Israel, as it’s appalling that the UK is still providing the bombs being dropped on starving people forced into refugee camps in Palestine. Each of the over 37,000 people brutally murdered had dreams, families and futures.”
“Meanwhile Keir Starmer still refuses to call it what it is: genocide. Labour are set to win the general election with an unprecedented landslide, but this is no cause for celebration whilst they are complicit in the murder of children. The Youth Demand better! If you’ve similarly lost faith in our broken political system, and are outraged by the crimes against humanity we’re witnessing, head to youthdemand.org to sign up for action.”
Another of those taking action this afternoon is Violet Powell, 23, a student from Leeds who said:
“Our country is complicit in genocide. Both major parties refuse to acknowledge the horrors they’re enabling or to call for an arms embargo on Israel. What good is voting when the outcome is the same? For a future to be liveable, and to not have regrets, I must take action now. I couldn’t live with myself otherwise. Join us for a week of action in Central London from the 13th-20th July.”
Today’s march comes hours after Palestine Action, in conjunction with students at Cambridge University, painted a University building, demanding Cambridge ‘divests from genocide’. [2]
Meanwhile, thousands have descended on London today, as part of Chris Packham’s ‘Restore Nature Now’ march, which is seeing more than 350 charities, businesses and direct action groups marching to demand the UK government take action to protect the environment. [3]
Young people will not accept a political system bought by weapons manufacturers, oil oligarchs and media barons. We deserve better. Young people all over the country are coming together to resist. Youth Demand will be taking action in Central London from the 13th-20th July. Join us at https://youthdemand.org.
ENDS
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Notes to Editors
[1] Youth Demand is a youth resistance campaign fighting for an end to genocide. Youth Demand a two-way arms embargo on Israel and an end to new oil and gas drilling. Youth Demand is part of Umbrella and a member of the A22 Network of civil resistance projects.
