London's Metropolitan Police arrested 212 people at a demonstration in Trafalgar Square supporting Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian group banned under Britain's anti-terrorism legislation. The arrests occurred despite a February High Court ruling that declared the group's terrorist designation unlawful.
Officers carried away protesters aged 27 to 82 who displayed placards reading "I support Palestine Action" and "I am against genocide." Many demonstrators wore Palestinian scarves and waved Palestinian flags during the sit-down protest. The crowd responded with cheers and chants of "shame" as police removed participants.
The demonstration marked the first major gathering since the High Court's February decision challenged the government's ban. Palestine Action was placed on Britain's list of proscribed terrorist organizations in July 2024 after members broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged military aircraft used to transport weapons to Israel.
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood has secured approval to appeal the High Court ruling, meaning the ban remains in effect during the legal process. This creates what police describe as an extremely difficult situation for law enforcement, caught between conflicting court decisions and ongoing government policy.
It's really important to continue to show up. It's important that we all continue to oppose genocide... The government might flip-flop in their legal argument but the morals of these people (here) do not change.
Freya, 28, environmental organization manager — Al-Monitor
Since the original ban, nearly 3,000 people have been arrested in connection with Palestine Action, primarily for displaying supportive placards. Hundreds face criminal charges carrying potential sentences of up to 14 years in prison for supporting a proscribed organization.
The legal uncertainty has created a patchwork of enforcement across Britain. While London police continue arrests, authorities in southwestern Truro chose not to intervene at a similar solidarity demonstration. A judge has suspended all trials related to Palestine Action charges, scheduling a comprehensive case review for July 30.
I'm a supporter of these great people. If the court process was definitive there would be no need for all this.
Denis MacDermot, 73, protester from Edinburgh — Al-Monitor
Palestine Action, established in 2020, states its mission as ending "global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime." The group has targeted facilities linked to arms manufacturing and military support for Israel, leading to its inclusion alongside Hamas and Hezbollah on Britain's terrorism blacklist.