New polling has revealed 29% of the public support the police making more arrests at the demonstrations in support of Palestinians.
Protests have been taking place all across the UK in solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict, including in Manchester.
St Peter’s Square has been particularly busy with the protests, but other parts of Greater Manchester have also seen demonstrations, such as Bolton, Oldham and the Media City quays in Salford.
The market research agency YouGov polled Brits on their thoughts of the role of the authorities in policing these demonstrations.
The data shows that – whilst 29% think there should have been more arrests – 14% said the police were too harsh, especially in the cases where they wrongly arrested demonstrators.
Just 16% said the police were getting the balance right, while 42% of those polled said they do not know.
When it comes to police handling of pro-Palestine protests, Britons say the police have been…
— YouGov (@YouGov) October 23, 2023
Too cautious, and should have made more arrests: 29%
Too harsh, and wrongly arrested some: 14%
Getting the balance right: 16%
Don't know: 42%https://t.co/zJqxk5oPbD pic.twitter.com/W56YB56jLn
At times, there has been criticism over Greater Manchester Police’s handling of the situations which have developed in Manchester.
One situation involved four arrests in suspicion of breaching the peace at a vigil in solidarity with Israel in St Peter’s Square on 12 October.
Greater Manchester Police updated the public on the arrests on X, formerly Twitter, stating that one of the four had been de-arrested, whilst the other three remained in custody.
#Update | One person arrested in St Peter’s Square earlier tonight has since been de-arrested following further investigation. A total of three people remain under arrest on suspicion of breach of the peace.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 11, 2023
The Home Secretary Suella Braverman also took to X to comment on the demonstrations and the role of the police.
She said: “Thank you to police officers who worked so hard yesterday in difficult circumstances to manage tens of thousands of protesters. Numerous arrests were made as a result of pockets of disorder, violence and hate.
“To all those who saw fit to promote genocide, glorify terrorism and mock the murder of Jewish people, including women and babies – the police are coming for you.”
To all those who saw fit to promote genocide, glorify terrorism and mock the murder of Jewish people, including women and babies – the police are coming for you. (2/2)
— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) October 15, 2023
The UK is likely to see more pro-Palestinian demonstrations this weekend as the conflict continues.
Featured image by Ömer Yıldız.
