Totnes Father Jim Barlow arrested in Parliament Square

Father Jim Barlow, Totnes Team Rector for St Mary’s and St John’s was one of several local people arrested yesterday by the Met police for peacefully protesting and holding a sign opposing genocide in Gaza and with the phrase “I support Palestine Action” which under contentious legislation is currently illegal. 

Several Totnesians attended the protest and others including Nick Bilborough of The Hands Up Project were also arrested. Met police have claimed 890 arrests were made yesterday. Many of the arrested were of the older generation with a significant number being over 70. Volker Turk, the United Nations’ human rights chief has said that the ban on Palestine Action places the UK on the wrong side of international law and if the proscription is overturned, all the arrests will be voided.

Totnes MP Caroline Voaden spoke out on Instagram: “…the lack of urgency and action by our government to help bring an end to the atrocities happening in Gaza. One of the most peaceful men I’ve ever met.
No, I don’t believe Palestine Action should have been proscribed. And yes, I agree that everyone should have the right to protest peacefully about things they care about.  Jim was arrested alongside several friends from Totnes. I’m not surprised – but I’m left wondering whether we really have our law and order priorities right.”