Six Arrested Over Suspected Plot to Disrupt London Stock Exchange
On January 14, 2024, the Metropolitan Police arrested six individuals in connection with an alleged plan to disrupt the operations of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The suspects are reported to be activists from the group known as Palestine Action, which has previously engaged in direct action campaigns targeting entities they accuse of supporting Israeli military activities.
By
Jan 15, 2024
The arrests followed an investigation initiated after the Daily Express provided information to the police on January 12. According to reports, the activists intended to execute their plan on the morning of January 15, aiming to cause damage to the LSE building and employ "lock-on" tactics to prevent the commencement of trading activities.
The individuals arrested include:
A 31-year-old man apprehended in Liverpool.
A 29-year-old woman detained in Brent, northwest London.
A 23-year-old man taken into custody in Tower Hamlets, east London.
Two women, aged 28 and 26, arrested in Liverpool.
A 27-year-old man detained in Brighton.
All six suspects were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage and remain in custody as investigations continue.
Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas of the Metropolitan Police commented on the arrests, stating: "We believe this group was ready to carry out a disruptive and damaging stunt which could have had serious implications had it been carried out successfully." She also expressed gratitude to the Daily Express for their cooperation, noting that the information provided was instrumental in facilitating the timely intervention.
The alleged plot is believed to have been part of a broader "week of action" planned by Palestine Action. The group has accused the London Stock Exchange of facilitating financial activities that support Israeli military operations. In a statement, a spokesperson for Palestine Action said: "The London Stock Exchange raises billions of pounds for apartheid Israel and trades shares in weapons manufacturers which arm Israel's genocide of the Palestinian people. Whilst Britain remains complicit in the brutal colonisation of Palestine, our direct action campaign will not be deterred."
The Metropolitan Police have indicated that they are coordinating with the City of London Police and other forces across the UK to ensure appropriate measures are in place to address any potential disruptions in the coming days.
Palestine Action, established in July 2020, has been involved in various direct action campaigns targeting companies and institutions they allege are complicit in supporting Israeli military actions. Members of the group have faced legal actions in the past, with some activists acquitted of charges including criminal damage and burglary, while others have been convicted.
The London Stock Exchange, a central component of the UK's financial infrastructure, facilitates the trading of shares for numerous companies, with a total market value exceeding £2 trillion. Any significant disruption to its operations could have substantial economic implications, underscoring the seriousness of the alleged plot.
As investigations proceed, authorities remain vigilant to prevent any actions that could threaten the integrity and stability of the UK's financial markets. The arrests highlight ongoing concerns about the security of critical financial institutions and the potential impact of activist-led disruptions on the broader economy.
