An unprecedented police operation has led to the arrest of nine individuals linked to the activist group Youth Demand, following a welcome talk in Westminster and a series of house raids across the country.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they made several arrests on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, a charge increasingly used in connection with civil disobedience campaigns.

Police Enter Quaker Meeting House

At approximately 7:30pm on Thursday evening, more than 30 Met Police officers entered the Quaker Meeting House in Westminster, where Youth Demand was holding a Welcome Talk—an introductory meeting for new participants.

Six people were arrested at the event, including one individual attending their first-ever meeting and a journalist, according to the group. Of those detained, three were released overnight, while three remain in custody as of Friday afternoon.

Early Morning Raids and Further Arrests

At 8:00am on Friday, police arrested Youth Demand supporter Eddie Whittingham at his home in Exeter. He was later released without charge. Two more individuals were arrested at undisclosed locations, bringing the total number of arrests to nine. Police have not yet provided further details about those taken into custody.

Allegations of Political Policing

The event, described by organisers as a nonviolent information session, included discussions on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, climate change, and plans for civil resistance throughout April.

Ella Grace-Taylor, 20, an actor and student who was arrested and later released, condemned the police response:

“At this point, it couldn’t be clearer that we are in a police state. Our politicians will stand by as police engage in mass arrests and imprisonment of anyone who speaks out against the government for being responsible for genocide… We won’t be intimidated.”

Youth Demand Responds

A spokesperson for Youth Demand accused the government of using police powers to silence dissent and target young people demanding accountability over the UK’s foreign and climate policies.

“It’s clear that the government sees Youth Demand as a threat. They know we are right… We will not be silenced. Young people all over the country are coming together to shut London down day after day throughout April.”

The group is calling for sustained, nonviolent protest and is urging supporters to join weekly actions beginning Tuesday, 1 April at 6:30pm outside Senate House Library on Malet Street.

Ongoing Police Enquiries

The Metropolitan Police have refused to  confirmed that arrests were made under legislation aimed at preventing public disorder. We have approached the Met Three times asking for confirmation and they have failed to confirm