LONDON (BN24) — More than 100 people were arrested across the United Kingdom on Saturday during a wave of protests opposing the government’s recent decision to designate the direct action group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation.
Demonstrators gathered in cities including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Truro to protest the ban, which was announced two weeks ago by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper under the Terrorism Act 2000. In Parliament Square, central London, protesters held signs reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” before many were led away by police officers—some in handcuffs, others physically carried from the scene.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed 55 people were arrested in Parliament Square for expressing support for the now-proscribed organisation. The arrests were made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act, which prohibits public displays of support for banned groups and carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison.
An additional nine individuals were detained for similar offenses during a separate pro-Palestine demonstration that marched along Whitehall. Greater Manchester Police reported 18 arrests related to the same charge, stating those in custody were being questioned.
In the southwest of England, Avon and Somerset Police said 17 people were arrested in Bristol, while Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrest of eight individuals near Truro Cathedral under the same legislation. Authorities said arrests were also made in recent weekends, with at least 70 people detained during prior demonstrations in Parliament Square.
The series of protests were organized in part by the activist coalition Defend Our Juries, which had previously stated that at least 120 people had already been arrested in recent weeks for challenging the ban.
Ahead of the demonstrations, the Metropolitan Police warned the public that supporting Palestine Action—whether through chanting, signage, or paraphernalia—could lead to arrest. The force referenced the punk rap duo Bob Vylan’s controversial “death to the IDF” chant at the Glastonbury Festival as an example of speech under scrutiny.
Home Secretary Cooper moved to outlaw Palestine Action following an incident at RAF Brize Norton on June 20, when two military Voyager aircraft were reportedly damaged in an act of sabotage that police say caused £7 million in damage. The government alleges the group was behind the attack.
The proscription makes it a criminal offense to be a member of, support, or promote Palestine Action. The law even extends to wearing a T-shirt or badge displaying the group’s name, which could result in up to six months in jail. More serious charges could carry sentences of up to 14 years.
Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori is seeking to challenge the government’s decision. A High Court hearing to request permission for a judicial review of the ban is scheduled for Monday.
