UK Police Arrest Hundreds in Latest Palestine Action Demonstration

More than 400 people were arrested in London on Saturday during a tense protest supporting the group Palestine Action, which has been banned under UK terrorism laws, according to police.

Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside the Houses of Parliament, holding placards with messages such as: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

The Metropolitan Police (Met) had issued a clear warning in advance: anyone openly expressing support for the proscribed organisation would face arrest. By late evening, the force announced:

• 425+ arrests had been made in relation to the protest.
• Majority of cases involved offences linked to supporting a banned organisation.

Tensions escalated when police moved in, with scuffles breaking out as protesters attempted to block arrests.

Polly Smith, a 74-year-old retiree, told reporters: “Those at the rally are not terrorists. The ban must be lifted.”

Nigel, a 62-year-old CEO of a recycling company, called the government’s ban “totally inappropriate,” adding:
“They should spend more time trying to stop genocide, rather than trying to stop protesters.”

Nigel was later detained as demonstrators chanted “Shame on you!” at the police.

The Met confirmed that beyond the mass arrests for supporting Palestine Action, 25 individuals were detained for alleged assaults on officers and other public order offences.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart condemned the violence faced by officers:

“Our officers were subjected to intolerable abuse, including being punched, kicked and spat on. Our role remains to enforce the law while ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely.”

Palestine Action was banned in July under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000, after acts of vandalism including an attack on a Royal Air Force base that caused an estimated £7 million ($10 million) in damage.

Critics argue that the ban is a dangerous precedent:

• Before Saturday, 800+ arrests had already been made in relation to Palestine Action.
• 138 people have been formally charged with supporting or encouraging support for a banned organisation.
• Penalties: Up to 6 months in prison for individuals; up to 14 years for rally organisers if convicted.

The government has also been granted permission to appeal a ruling which allowed co-founder Huda Ammori to legally challenge the ban.

While police were focused on the Parliament protest, a separate pro-Palestinian march drew around 20,000 people elsewhere in London the same day.

According to the Met, that demonstration “passed with very few arrests.”

The London protests coincided with fresh Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, as Israel pressed its offensive with the declared aim of capturing Gaza City and defeating Hamas.