British police announced on Sunday that they have arrested six individuals in connection with an alleged plot orchestrated by the Palestine Action group to disrupt the London Stock Exchange. The Metropolitan Police received information about the plot from the Daily Express on Friday, which had conducted a two-month investigation, including an undercover reporter posing as a prospective group member. According to the Express, the pro-Palestine plotters planned to chain themselves to the stock exchange’s entrances on Monday, potentially using a ladder over revolving doors, to obstruct the opening and extend the disruption for a full working day.
Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas emphasized the significance of 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.” Thomas expressed gratitude to the Express for providing crucial information that aided the police intervention, highlighting the limited time available for action since the material was provided on Friday afternoon.
In response to the potential disruption, Thomas revealed ongoing collaboration with the City of London Police and other forces across the UK to ensure appropriate resources are in place for the upcoming days, considering the suggestion that this was part of a planned week of action.
Despite the plotters’ intent to disrupt trading, it’s important to note that the London Stock Exchange itself doesn’t host trading activities, as equity trading has been fully electronic since 1986, and there’s no physical trading floor. The exchange declined to comment on the matter.
The arrests, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, involved individuals located in various cities: a 31-year-old man and two women, aged 28 and 26, in Liverpool; a 29-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man in London; and a 27-year-old man in Brighton on the south coast. The police acknowledged the potential seriousness of the situation, particularly given the suggestion of a broader planned week of action, warranting collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies across the country.
