Colum Eastwood MP has called for the British Government to urgently review its policy on policing protests after pensioners and students were arrested at peaceful demonstrations over the weekend.

The MP, who was one of 26 who voted against proscribing the campaign group Palestine Action in the House of Commons last month, said the arrests were a "dystopian image." Mr Eastwood said the arrests in Northern Ireland were particularly troubling, given that banners and uniforms expressing support for proscribed paramilitary groups are often displayed without police action.

"It is particularly galling to see women in their seventies dragged off and arrested in Northern Ireland for wearing Palestine Action t-shirts when masked men are able to put up flags supporting proscribed paramilitary groups with apparent impunity," Mr Eastwood said. "It appears that people demanding peace are an easier target."

He argued that the arrests were a waste of public money and served "no interest other than those who want the genocide to continue," while also damaging relationships between the police and the communities they serve.