More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest

The Metropolitan Police reported that over 200 individuals were detained during a demonstration in central London opposing the ban on Palestine Action. The arrests occurred as participants showed solidarity with a group classified as proscribed under anti-terror laws. The protest, held in Trafalgar Square, featured signs such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” echoing messages from earlier rallies organized by the group.

Organized by Defend our Juries, the event was dubbed “Everyone Day” to highlight the ongoing resistance to the group’s prohibition. Attendees also carried placards advocating for protest rights and critiquing U.S. and Israeli policies. The ban on Palestine Action was imposed in July 2025 by the government, which cited anti-terror legislation as justification. However, a February court ruling deemed the ban unlawful, though it remained active until an appeal was resolved.

Despite the legal challenge, the Met Police resumed arrests in March, targeting individuals supporting the group. Ahead of Saturday’s gathering, the force issued a warning about potential criminal charges, emphasizing the consequences of attending. Commander Claire Smart, overseeing weekend policing, stated,

“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.”

Some demonstrators expressed readiness to face arrest, citing the ongoing genocide in Palestine as motivation. Linda Walker, one participant, explained,

“I decided to come because there’s been a genocide for the past two and a half years. The only people the government is willing to take action against are those trying to stop it.”

Another attendee mentioned having been arrested ten times previously and anticipating similar outcomes.

By 16:50 BST, the Met confirmed 212 arrests during the protest, with operations continuing as support for the banned group persisted. Since the ban under the Terrorism Act 2000 was enforced last summer by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, over 2,200 people have been detained for allegedly backing Palestine Action. Legal proceedings for those accused of displaying supportive placards are paused pending the outcome of the group’s appeal against the ban.