Twenty seven people, including medics and an elderly priest, have been arrested in London’s Parliament Square for offences under the Terrorism Act after conducting a protest in support of Palestine Action.
They were sitting by the statue of Gandhi, holding home-made cardboard signs with the sentence “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action” written on them.
The stunt was meant to be a protest in support of the newly proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action which was officially added to the terror list in the early hours of July 5.
Footage of the protest was released on social media and showed a group of between 20-30 people sitting which shirts and signs expressing their support for the banned group and opposition to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Footage on X also showed the moment police began arresting several members of the group including an elderly woman wearing the attire of a Christian priest.
The London Metropolitan Police later confirmed the arrests in a statement released on X.
“Officers have arrested more than 20 people on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000. They have been taken into custody. Palestine Action is a proscribed group and officers will act where criminal offences are committed.”
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
British lawmakers voted Wednesday in favour of banning the pro-Palestinian group as a terrorist organisation amid a row over freedom of expression.
The draft order to amend the Terrorism Act 2000 and proscribe three organisations, including Palestine Action, was formally presented by Labour’s Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, and passed in the House of Commons by 385 votes to 26.
Being a member of, or showing support for, Palestine Action officially became a criminal offence from 00:01, on July 5, 2025.
Shortly after the designation came into affect, the Met released a statement warning people who attend future pro-Palestine protests not to express support for Palestine Action or any other banned groups.
The statement outlined the law and measures the police will take if a breach is discovered.
“There are a number of events taking place in London this weekend and anyone attending should be aware that officers policing these will act where criminal offences, including those related to support of proscribed groups or organisations, are committed.
Under the Terrorism Act 2000, the Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism and it is proportionate to do so.
Proscription makes it a criminal offence to invite or express support for a proscribed organisation through chanting, wearing clothing or displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos.”
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said shortly after the arrests: “We commend the Counter Terrorism police for their decisive action in protecting the people of London from some cardboard signs opposing the genocide in Gaza and expressing support for those taking action to prevent it. It’s a relief to know that Counter Terrorism police have nothing better to do.”
Labour Party MP Clive Lewis took to X to react to the event: “Under Gandhi’s statue. For holding placards. A priest, a professor, medics – arrested for peaceful protest. This is not about terrorism. It’s about silencing dissent – and it’s leading us down an ever darkening path.”
The move to outlaw Palestine Action sparked controversy amid significant concerns that the measure would undermine freedom of protest for British citizens.
Outlining the government’s case to MPs on Wednesday, the Home Office minister Dan Jarvis said: “By implementing this measure, we will remove Palestine Action’s veil of legitimacy, tackle its financial support and degrade its efforts to recruit and radicalise people into committing terrorist activity in its name.
But we must be under no illusion. Palestine Action is not a legitimate protest group. People engaged in lawful protests don’t need weapons. People engaged in lawful protests do not throw smoke bombs and fire pyrotechnics around innocent members of the public. And people engaged in lawful protests do not cause millions of pounds of damage to national security infrastructure, including submarines and defensive equipment for Nato.
Proscribing Palestine Action will not impinge on people’s right to protest. Those who wish to protest or express support for Palestine have always been able to and can continue to do so.”
