Supporters of Youth Demand have disrupted traffic in five cities across the UK to demand a two-way arms embargo on Israel, and for the UK government to halt all new oil and gas licences granted since 2021. [1]
At 11:00 am Saturday, in a coordinated set of actions spanning London, Manchester, Exeter, Leeds and Cambridge, groups of supporters stepped into city roads holding banners reading ‘YOUTH DEMAND’, ‘YOUTH DEMAND AN END TO GENOCIDE’, ‘STOP ARMING ISRAEL’, ‘YOUTH DEMAND LIBERATION NOW!’, along with Palestinian flags.
Three action takers in Leeds were targeted by the police and handed Section 34/35 notices that barred them from the city of Leeds – with an exemption of their homes and areas immediately surrounding. Roadblocks are continuing in Leeds.
Events are still unfolding.
Action taker Bailey, 21, a disabled supporter from Cambridge said:
“We look back in history at atrocities committed by governments and countries and we say “never again”. We praise those who took action for change and liberation. Currently we are living through a historic moment where there are genocides happening and it is up to us to fight back so if it never happens again. I want to be on the right side of history”
In London, roadblocks are ongoing across the West End, starting at Queen Victoria Street. Norfolk Road was the first to be blocked in Cambridge, causing traffic tailbacks. Manchester saw Deangate disrupted, while in Leeds Woodhouse Lane was the first to be affected by the action. In Exeter, action takers first blocked Iron Bridge and continue to block roads in the city.
Jazz Dean, 23, a care worker from Manchester is another who took action today. They said:
“Direct action works, this is why we’re doing it. We don’t want to be disrupting people’s day but when there is a genocide happening and innocent civilians in Palestine and Lebanon are losing their lives day after day we cannot stand by. Our government is complicit in this genocide. They continue to buy and sell weapons with Israel. We know what those weapons are used for and that is why we need to resist. “
Henri, 20, an architecture student from Falmouth taking action in Exeter today said:
“We must act, not only for our own future but for that of future generations, our children, our friends and ultimately our world as we know it. Why shouldn’t we stand up for what is morally right regardless of consequences and opinions?We know our actions are ridiculed through the media, but we are left with no choice; the system doesn’t represent us. We must resist.”
Young people will not accept our politicians supporting the murder of innocent people. This week, young people are taking action in cities all around the country. Sign up for the national week of action 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, demanding a two-way arms embargo on Israel and an end to all oil and gas projects licensed since 2021. Youth Demand is part of Umbrella and a member of the A22 Network of civil resistance projects.
