Dozens of members of the pro-Palestine protest group Youth Demand have been arrested by police as part of the Met’s policing of the King’s Speech.
Metropolitan Police officers could be seen searching through the bags of activists in Victoria Embankment Gardens on Wednesday morning.
Further officers rolled up Palestinian flags, packed away audio equipment including a microphone and speaker and dismantled a pro-Palestinian banner.
City of London Police officers were also present at the park.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, Scotland Yard said: “There’s a significant policing presence in central London ahead of the State Opening of Parliament.“Last week, Youth Demand said they planned to disrupt the event.“An hour ago, officers arrested 10 of them in Westminster on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.
“A further 20 to 25 have now gathered in Victoria Embankment Gardens and further arrests are being made.”
For all the updates on the King’s Speech please follow our live blog.
Youth Demand drew heavy criticism for a protest outside Sir Keir Starmer’s home.
In an email sent on Saturday evening, the group, boasted of plans to cause chaos.
In an email, the group said: “Youth Demand will be disrupting the State Opening of Parliament.
“We disrupt because it is our duty to fight back in every way we non-violently can and because we refuse to despair, but instead are full of hope that another way is possible.”
Two protesters held up a large banner reading “Stop Israel’s Gaza Genocide” while surrounded by a large presence of Metropolitan Police officers in Victoria Embankment Gardens in Westminster.
One of protesters, a woman, was then put in handcuffs and moved away by officers as she shouted “Free Palestine”.
Other protesters could be seen sitting against railings and on walls in the park while surrounded by more officers.
