The Herald understands demonstrators from Pembrokeshire were among those in London as 523 people were detained at Trafalgar Square vigil

MORE than 500 people were arrested in Trafalgar Square on Saturday during a mass protest against the ban on Palestine Action, in what campaigners say has pushed the total number of arrests linked to the group’s proscription to more than 3,300 since July 2025.

The Herald understands that a number of those attending had travelled from Wales, including some protesters from Pembrokeshire.

The Metropolitan Police said 523 people were arrested during the demonstration, where protesters staged what organisers described as a silent vigil against the war in Gaza and the use of terrorism laws against pro-Palestinian activism.

Those detained were said to range in age from 18 to 87. Among those arrested was Robert Del Naja, the Massive Attack musician and artist, who was identified by national media as being among those detained during the protest.

The latest mass arrests come amid continuing legal and political controversy over the Government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The group was banned after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in July 2025 and damaged military aircraft in protest at Britain’s support for Israel. The proscription came into force on July 5, 2025, making it a criminal offence to belong to the group or to express support for it.

However, in February this year, the High Court ruled that the ban was unlawful. Despite that decision, the proscription remains in force while the Government pursues an appeal, which is due to be heard later this month.

That legal uncertainty has fuelled criticism of the Metropolitan Police, which had initially indicated it would not arrest people simply for holding signs while the case remained unresolved. The force later reversed that position and resumed enforcement.

The handling of Saturday’s protest has drawn further scrutiny after former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu said the “optics” were “very challenging for the police” when faced with hundreds of peaceful demonstrators willing to be arrested.

Campaigners say the arrests raise serious questions about free speech, peaceful assembly and the practical enforcement of the law, particularly while the ban itself remains under appeal.

The protest was organised by Defend Our Juries, which said many of those detained were elderly or disabled and claimed the latest arrests showed the ban was becoming increasingly difficult to enforce consistently.

There was further controversy after reports that Devon and Cornwall Police did not make arrests at a similar protest in Truro on Friday, despite demonstrators there reportedly holding the same signs as those seen in London.

With the Court of Appeal due to hear the case on April 28 and 29, the latest arrests are likely to intensify pressure on both ministers and police over how far terrorism laws should be used in response to peaceful public protest.

Extra patrols, more rail security and tougher action promised after violent disorder left four youths injured

POLICE and partner agencies have announced a reinforced summer safety response following the violent disorder at Tenby railway station which left four youths with stab wounds.

Dyfed-Powys Police said it will work closely with Pembrokeshire County Council, British Transport Police and Transport for Wales in the coming weeks and months to ensure a robust response to anti-social behaviour and violent offending.

The move follows the serious disorder on Tuesday, April 7, at Tenby train station. British Transport Police, which now has primacy for the investigation, said enquiries are continuing at pace.

In a major joint statement, Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, said the force does not want the spring and summer season to be “defined” by anti-social behaviour or violent disorder.

She said: “The events which took place at Tenby train station on Tuesday 7th April were wholly unacceptable. Dyfed-Powys Police responded in the immediate aftermath of the incident, but now our colleagues at British Transport Police have primacy over this investigation and are conducting fast-paced enquiries into establishing the facts.

“Whilst we maintain a strong working relationship with our partners all year round, this incident has of course prompted further specialised joint work to robustly tackle anti-social or violent incidents, as well as ensure the peace of mind of our communities.”

Members of the public can now expect to see a visible police presence in hotspot locations over the coming weeks and months, aimed both at reassuring communities and deterring potential offenders.

Police said officers will make arrests and pursue prosecutions where necessary, and may also use anti-social behaviour powers to require individuals to provide their details or leave a particular area for up to 48 hours.

Superintendent Harries also thanked residents and business owners for their support following the Tenby incident, saying community intelligence and reports to police would be vital in shaping the response.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the incident had been “deeply concerning” and acknowledged the anxiety it had caused among residents, businesses and visitors.

Richard Brown, Assistant Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, said the authority was working closely with the police and other agencies to support the ongoing investigation and tackle wider anti-social behaviour issues.

He said parents and carers should remain aware of where young people are spending time, particularly in the evenings, as the county moves towards the busy summer period.

British Transport Police also confirmed a further three teenagers were arrested on Wednesday (Apr 9) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder. They have since been released on bail.

A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man who had already been arrested in connection with the incident have also been released on bail while further enquiries continue.

British Transport Police Superintendent Jonathon Cooze said: “We recognise the concern felt within the community following the recent incident at Tenby station, and I would like to reassure the public that our investigation is progressing at pace.”

He urged anyone who witnessed the incident, or events leading up to it, to contact British Transport Police quoting reference 916 of April 7.

Transport for Wales has also confirmed it will deploy extra security teams at stations and on rail services across west Wales this weekend and throughout the summer months.

Simon Turton, Security Manager at TfW, said additional security would focus particularly on late-night services and key locations, backed by CCTV at stations and on-board trains, as well as body-worn cameras used by train crew.

The latest developments mark a significant escalation in the official response to the Tenby violence, with police, transport operators and the council all signalling a tougher and more visible approach as the holiday season approaches.

Man remanded in custody following Diamond Street vehicle search

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing at Swansea Crown Court charged with drug, weapon and driving offences following an arrest in Pembroke Dock.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers from Pembrokeshire Roads Policing and response teams searched a vehicle on Diamond Street on Saturday (Apr 4).

Following the search, Zamurd Hussain, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Hussain was later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Apr 6), where he was remanded in custody.

His next court appearance is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court at 9:00am on May 8.