![\"Pro-Palestinian](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_JS375700117.jpg\")
Pro-Palestinian groups have been holding rallies and marches regularly since the war began.(Image: Guy Smallman\/Getty Images.)<\/p>\nMarches also took place in London, Manchester, Bristol and Truro today.Pro-Palestinian groups have been holding rallies and marches regularly since the war began.(Image: Guy Smallman\/Getty Images.)<\/p>\n
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators braved rain to march through Edinburgh<\/a> on Saturday, as part of a national campaign.<\/p>\n One veteran activist said the recent move to proscribe Palestine Action under anti-terror laws<\/a> had not deterred people from showing their support to the wider movement.<\/p>\n A large group gathered outside St Giles’ Cathedral in the early afternoon before marching down the Royal Mile<\/a>, chanting while waving flags and banners.<\/p>\n The march stopped in front of the UK Government<\/a> headquarters at Queen Elizabeth House, where speeches were given outside the building, before heading on to Bute House – the First Minister’s official residence.<\/p>\n Other demonstrations took place in Manchester, Bristol, Truro and London – calling for the ban on Palestine Action<\/a> to be reversed.<\/p>\n While there were dozens of arrests at the other events, Police Scotland<\/a> said no arrests had been made in relation to the march in Edinburgh.<\/p>\n Mick Napier<\/a>, founding member of the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, said there was a large turnout in the Scottish capital because of outrage over Israel’s plan for a “humanitarian city” in Rafah.<\/p>\n Speaking as the march set off down the Royal Mile, he told the PA news agency: “It’s large, it’s bigger than we’ve had for a very long time and it’s entirely due to the building of the Israeli<\/a> concentration camp in Rafah.<\/p>\n “They’ve called it a humanitarian city but people are utterly horrified, cumulatively, by what’s happened during 22 months of genocide<\/a>.”<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile<\/strong><\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n He said the ban<\/a> on Palestine Action was “absurd” and police had been on a hair trigger, arresting people for placards and banners which contain the words Palestine and action.<\/p>\n Mr Napier said the ban had not deterred people from supporting the wider pro-Palestinian movement<\/a>, saying: “I think people are enraged.<\/p>\n “I look back to previous campaigns against the war in Vietnam<\/a>, when that issue became fused with the issue of free speech it rose to a higher level.”<\/p>\n Earlier this week, three women<\/a> were arrested under the Terrorism Act after a van was driven into the external fence of the Leonardo UK factory in Edinburgh.<\/p>\n The group Shut Down Leonardo claimed it was making components for F-35 fighter jets but the defence company<\/a> says it does not directly supply equipment to Israel.<\/p>\n Asked if such actions worked against the pro-Palestinian<\/a> movement, Mr Napier said: “I think in the past it may have put some people off, not any more.”<\/p>\n Other activists at the march condemned the move to ban Palestine Action. Jane Ferrell, who travelled from Fife, said: “It’s Palestine Action one day, what’s it going to be in the end? Trade unionism, the Labour Party<\/a> activists, who knows?”<\/p>\n![\"Protesters](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_JS375700099.jpg\")
Protesters demanding a ceasefire and an arms embargo against Israel march in London.(Image: Guy Smallman\/Getty Images.)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
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