Full Breakdown
Police Raid on Quaker Meeting House Leads to Arrests of Activists
3/9/2026, 11:10:45 AM
Arrests at the Quaker Meeting House
On March 5, 2026, the Metropolitan Police arrested 15 activists from the group Take Back Power at the Quaker Meeting House in Westminster. The arrests were made on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft, as the group was allegedly planning a "mass shoplifting" campaign targeting supermarkets to redistribute goods. The police intervened during a session billed as "nonviolent direct action training," leading to the detention of the activists, with one man subsequently bailed and the others remaining in custody.
Background of Take Back Power
Take Back Power is a civil resistance group advocating for a citizens' assembly with the authority to tax the wealthy. The group has previously gained attention for stunts, including throwing apple crumble and custard at the Crown Jewels and dumping manure outside the Ritz Hotel during the holiday season. These actions have positioned them as a provocative voice in the ongoing discourse about wealth inequality and social justice in the UK.
Police Justification for the Raid
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman stated that the police had grounds to suspect the group was planning organized theft, emphasizing the distinction between lawful protest and criminal acts. He noted, “The public expect the police to deal with it – which is exactly what we have done today.” Harman acknowledged the criticism faced by the police following a similar raid on the Quaker Meeting House in March 2025, where six activists were arrested but not charged.
Quakers' Response and Broader Implications
The Quakers condemned the police action as an "aggressive violation" of their space, marking the first time in living memory that arrests had occurred at their meeting house. Oliver Robertson, head of witness and worship for Quakers in Britain, expressed concern over the systematic stifling of dissent, stating, “The right to protest is fundamental to our democracy.” Caroline Nursey, clerk of Westminster Quaker Meeting, highlighted the historical context of Quakers facing state oppression and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting nonviolent activism.
Criticism of Police Tactics
Take Back Power characterized the police's actions as a "draconian overreach," arguing that the arrests occurred in a place of worship during a discussion on nonviolent civil disobedience. They asserted that such measures reflect the state's willingness to protect corporate interests at the expense of ordinary citizens struggling with economic hardship. A spokesperson for the group remarked, “The state is scared of civil disobedience because it works.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the police maintain that the arrests were necessary to prevent criminal activity, the Quakers and Take Back Power argue that the actions taken against the activists represent a broader trend of suppressing dissent in the UK. There is no indication that any of the arrested individuals have been formally charged, echoing the outcome of the previous raid on the Quaker Meeting House.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Peaceful protest, prayer and nonviolent action are integral parts of many Quakers' religious life.” — Oliver Robertson, Head of Witness and Worship for Quakers in Britain
- “This draconian overreach shows what the state is willing to do to protect corporate profits and billionaires, while ordinary people struggle to put food on the table.” — Take Back Power Spokesperson
- “We cannot get into a situation where groups planning criminal acts can escape police action simply by booking rooms in certain venues.” — James Harman, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
