More than 100 people have been arrested across the UK during protests against the government’s decision to proscribe the pro-Palestine direct action group, Palestine Action, as a terrorist organisation.
Demonstrations took place on Saturday in London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Truro, with protesters holding placards reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
The largest protest occurred in Westminster, where the Metropolitan Police confirmed 55 arrests under the Terrorism Act for displaying signs in support of the recently banned group.
Witnesses said the arrests took place near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament Square, with around 20 police vans present. Several elderly individuals were among those detained, including a woman in her 80s using a walking stick. Some were led away while others were physically carried by officers.
In Bristol, Avon and Somerset Police arrested 17 people under the Terrorism Act following a demonstration. Three others are expected to attend voluntary interviews at a later date.
The force said around 30 people had gathered peacefully outside Truro Cathedral. Among those detained was Deborah Hinton, an 81-year-old former magistrate.
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Greater Manchester Police confirmed that 16 individuals were arrested for allegedly supporting a proscribed organisation. All remain in custody for further questioning.
In Edinburgh, Police Scotland said officers responded after images circulated online showing individuals holding placards in support of Palestine Action in Parliament Square.
However, by the time officers arrived the protesters had left. While no arrests were made, investigations are ongoing. Police Scotland added there were no arrests at a separate pro-Palestinian protest held in the city.
Separately, a Palestine Coalition march took place in London, where the Met said 10 arrests were made, including nine linked to alleged support for Palestine Action.
The wave of arrests comes ahead of a legal challenge due to be heard at the High Court on Monday.
The co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, is seeking permission to challenge the UK government’s decision to proscribe the group.
Background to the ban
The Home Office officially banned Palestine Action earlier this month under the Terrorism Act 2000, which means that membership of, or expressions of support for, the group are now criminal offences.
The decision followed an incident in June when activists broke into RAF base Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, sprayed red paint over two Voyager aircraft, and caused an estimated £7 million worth of damage.
Four individuals have been charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited site. All four remain in custody.
The incident also prompted a nationwide security review across all UK military bases.
Palestine Action has led a series of direct actions targeting arms manufacturers linked to Israeli military operations since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023.
