LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Police Raid Quaker Meeting House, Arrests Six Women Linked to Youth Demand
Officers intervene at a gathering of the protest group, citing conspiracy to cause public nuisance.
30 March 2025 · 02:00 UTC
The incident occurred around 7:15 PM, during what attendees described as a publicly advertised welcome talk regarding the group’s objectives.
According to the Quakers, the police presence included over 20 uniformed officers, some armed with Tasers, leading to concerns over the treatment of a place of worship.
Paul Parker, the recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, remarked on the unusual nature of such an event, stating, "No one has been arrested in a Quaker meeting house in living memory." He expressed alarm at what he termed an "aggressive violation" of the Quaker space, emphasizing that it reflected broader societal issues surrounding the criminalization of protest.
He underscored the critical importance of freedom of speech, assembly, and fair trials in a democratic society.
In video footage shared on Youth Demand’s social media, an attendee reported that police confiscated phones and laptops from those present, raising additional questions about privacy and civil liberties during the operation.
Youth Demand has positioned itself as a youth-led, nonviolent civil resistance initiative advocating for the cessation of UK arms sales to Israel and calling for the cancellation of new oil and gas permits issued since 2021.
The Quakers strongly condemned the police action, linking it to recent legislative changes, specifically the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023, which they argue have escalated state control over public demonstrations.
In response to the raid, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests were made on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.
Five additional arrests were also reported, with four made in London and one in Exeter.
According to police statements, the individuals arrested were part of Youth Demand and were allegedly involved in planning disruptive direct actions in London for the upcoming month.
Police highlighted the group’s stated intention to "shut down" London in April using various methods, including roadblocks and "swarming" tactics, and noted their responsibility to intervene when protests escalate into serious disruption.
Following the arrests, the police clarified that all individuals detained had been released on bail, except for one who would not face further action.
The Quakers are recognized for their long-standing tradition of supporting peaceful protest, rooted in their religious beliefs derived from 17th-century Protestant Christianity.