Over 200 Arrested at Palestine Action Protest in London
The Metropolitan Police have reported over 200 arrests during a protest in central London opposing the ban on Palestine Action. The force confirmed that individuals were apprehended for demonstrating support for a proscribed organisation.
Legal Challenges and Police Stance
Palestine Action was proscribed by the UK government in July 2025 under anti-terror legislation. While a High Court ruling in February declared the ban unlawful, it remains in effect pending an appeal. Following the initial High Court judgement, the Metropolitan Police had indicated a reduced likelihood of arrests; however, in March, they reversed this stance, resuming arrests for supporting the group.
Ahead of Saturday's 'Everyone Day' demonstration, organised by Defend our Juries to protest the ban, Commander Claire Smart of the Metropolitan Police issued a warning: "Those attending should be aware that showing support for a proscribed organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act, and we will not hesitate to act where the law is broken."
Demonstrators gathered in Trafalgar Square, displaying signs such as "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action," as well as placards opposing the US and Israel. Some participants expressed their willingness to risk arrest, citing concerns over ongoing events in Gaza, where the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is also hearing genocide proceedings against Israel, brought by South Africa, and issued provisional measures in January 2024 ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide. Furthermore, Amnesty International concluded in December 2024 that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
The current conflict with Iran, initiated on 28 February by the United States and Israel with wide-ranging strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader and hundreds of civilians, including hundreds of children at an Iranian primary school, was also referenced by some protesters.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed 212 arrests by 16:50 BST, with operations ongoing. Since the ban was enacted, over 2,200 individuals have been arrested for allegedly supporting Palestine Action, with trials currently on hold pending the resolution of the legal challenge to the group's proscription.
