More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest
Over 200 Detained During Palestine Action Protest
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that over 200 individuals were detained during a demonstration against the Palestine Action ban in central London. The arrests occurred as protesters expressed support for a group designated as unlawful under anti-terror legislation. Hundreds gathered in Trafalgar Square, many holding signs advocating for the organization with slogans like “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” which had appeared at earlier gatherings organized by the group.
Legal Context and Police Stance
Palestine Action became illegal in July 2025 after the government imposed a ban under the Terrorism Act 2000. The legal challenge against the prohibition was deemed invalid in February, yet the restriction remained active until an appeal was resolved. Initially, the Met suggested its officers would avoid arrests following the High Court decision, but by March, it reversed course and announced it would again detain those backing the group.
Before Saturday’s rally, the Met Police issued a warning about “criminal offences” associated with supporting the proscribed organization. Commander Claire Smart, overseeing the weekend’s 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.”
Protesters’ Resolve
Despite the warning, some participants indicated they were prepared to face arrest. Among those taken into custody was Robert Del Naja, a founding member of the band Massive Attack. Del Naja had previously expressed his intent to attend the demonstration, calling the police’s decision to resume arrests “ridiculous.” He claimed confidence in defending his actions in court, asserting,
“this was an unlawful arrest and, therefore, I don’t accept it.”
Del Naja, whose Bristol-based trip hop collective is known for the 1990s hit Unfinished Sympathy, added,
“I think that the actions of Palestine Action were highly patriotic because they were pretty much protecting our country from getting involved in serious war crimes, and breaking international law. How much more patriotic can you be than that?”
Linda Walker, another demonstrator, emphasized the ongoing genocide in Gaza, stating,
“The only people [the government] are willing to take action against are the people trying to stop it.”
Israel has consistently denied accusations of genocide, asserting its actions in Gaza were necessary self-defence.
A third protester mentioned having been arrested multiple times before and anticipated a similar outcome. By 16:50 BST, the Met reported 212 arrests, with operations ongoing as people continued to show allegiance to the banned group. Since the prohibition was enacted last summer by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, over 2,200 individuals have been arrested for allegedly endorsing Palestine Action. Legal proceedings for those charged with displaying support have been postponed pending the resolution of the appeal challenging the group’s designation.
