A BARNSLEY man who travelled to London to take part in a mass protest in Parliament Square - which saw the greatest number of arrests by the Met Police at any single event since 1961 - has defended his actions.

In total, 522 people were arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act for ‘displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation’.

The action, organised by Defend Our Juries, sought to add increased pressure on the government to lift the proscription on Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation.

They held placards with the message ‘I Oppose Genocide, I Support Palestine Action’.

David Nixon, of Kirkstall Road, Barnsley, was one of the 522 and told the Chronicle the action was necessary.

Mr Nixon has previously spent spells in jail for his roles with Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil.

He told the Chronicle: “The number of people prepared to risk arrest by showing their support for Palestine Action are growing, week by week.

“For example, 1,000-plus people have already signed up for our next action in September.

“At least our members are trying - we’re attempting to force change by doing something and I will continue my efforts.

“Our intention is simply to make visible the chilling implications of this totalitarian law, which is already being used to silence opposition to the horrors unfolding in Gaza, in which the British government is an active partner.

“The independence of the police from political interference, and the principle that no-one is above the law, are the cornerstones of democracy and the rule of law.

“Just a few weeks ago, being arrested under the Terrorism Act was the stuff of nightmares.

“Now it’s a badge of honour that people are wearing with pride - the mark of resistance to genocide and standing firm for our democratic freedoms.”

The Met’s deputy assistant commissioner, Ade Adelekan, led the weekend’s operations.

He added: “Our role in the context of protest remains as it always has been - to police without fear or favour, to enforce the law, to keep the peace by ensuring groups with opposing views do not come together and to prevent serious disorder and serious disruption to ordinary people going about their lives.

“What sets this protest apart from others is participants came out not just to express a view, but with the aim of being arrested in very large numbers to place a strain on the police and the wider criminal justice system.

“The Met is very experienced at dealing with large-scale protests, including where the protest activity crosses into criminality requiring arrests.

“Anyone showing support for Palestine Action can expect to be arrested.

“I would once again urge people to consider the seriousness of that outcome - an arrest under the Terrorism Act can have very real long-term implications from travel, to employment to finances.

“Also, as we have seen this week, it is very likely an arrest in these circumstances will lead to a charge.”