UK police arrest at least 466 people at Palestine Action protest in London
UK police arrested at least 466 people in London at a protest supporting the banned group Palestine Action, following the group’s designation as a terrorist organization in July 2025 under UK anti-terrorism laws.
Most arrests took place in Parliament Square, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered with placards stating “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action” and Palestinian flags. The Metropolitan Police stated that supporting or showing affiliation with Palestine Action is now a criminal offense, carrying a possible sentence of up to 14 years in prison under the Terrorism Act. Police had warned they would arrest anyone expressing support for the proscribed group, and deployed considerable resources to the demonstration.
The protest was organized in response to the recent ban, which itself followed incidents of alleged vandalism by the group, including breaking into an RAF base and damaging aircraft. The crackdown has drawn criticism from civil liberties organizations and academics, who warn that it endangers protest rights and academic freedom.
No serious injuries were reported. Several protesters were also arrested for assaulting police officers, and the UK’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization is facing a legal challenge in the High Court.
