Dozens of demonstrators have been arrested across the UK in recent days, with 55 detained in central London alone for holding placards that expressed support for the proscribed group Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police stated that the signs – reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action” – breached Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Officers moved in at Parliament Square near the Mahatma Gandhi statue, detaining protesters and removing signs deemed illegal under counter-terror laws.
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This marks the third consecutive weekend of mass arrests at demonstrations opposing the Home Office’s decision to ban Palestine Action. In total, 70 people were arrested in London over the past two weekends for similar offences. Other incidents occurred across the country: 17 were arrested in Bristol, 16 in Greater Manchester, and eight in Truro, all on suspicion of supporting a banned organisation. Police forces stressed that while peaceful protest is protected, supporting a proscribed group remains a criminal offence.
The arrests come ahead of a High Court hearing in which Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori will seek permission to challenge the ban. The organisation was outlawed following a protest that caused £7 million in damage to aircraft at RAF Brize Norton. The government now classifies public support or membership of the group as a terrorism-related offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The Home Secretary’s decision has sparked widespread debate around civil liberties and the limits of protest.
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Police have increased their presence at major protests in Westminster and elsewhere. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan warned demonstrators against using inflammatory language or supporting banned groups, citing recent controversial chants at Glastonbury Festival. He urged the public to consider the long-term consequences of being arrested under terrorism legislation, including its impact on travel, employment, and financial standing.
