Arrests begin in London at largest Palestine Action protest since group’s ban

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/09/palestine-action-arrests-london-largest-protest-ban

Version 0 of 13.

Met police says it has drawn officers from other forces to form ‘significant presence’ in busy weekend of protests

Middle East crisis – live updates

Arrests have begun at the largest demonstration relating to Palestine Action in central London since the group was proscribed as a terrorist organisation.

The Metropolitan police said it had drawn officers from other forces to help form a “significant policing presence” in the capital as it faces a busy weekend of protests.

By Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people had gathered in Parliament Square for a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries.

Protesters have previously held up placards supporting the proscribed group in Parliament Square. Defend Our Juries announced earlier this week that today’s events would go ahead despite police warnings.

The ban means that membership of, or support for, Palestine Action is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Before the protest, a Home Office spokesperson said: “The home secretary has been clear that the proscription of Palestine Action is not about Palestine, nor does it affect the freedom to protest on Palestinian rights.

“It only applies to the specific and narrow organisation whose activities do not reflect or represent the thousands of people across the country who continue to exercise their fundamental rights to protest on different issues.

“Freedom to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy and we protect it fiercely.”

Get the day’s headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning

after newsletter promotion

More details soon …