Police Arrest Over 50 Protesters in London Supporting Palestine Action

More than 600 people gathered in Parliament Square in central London on Saturday afternoon to show support for Palestine Action, despite the group being banned as a terror organization. The Metropolitan Police made over 50 arrests during the demonstration, intimidating protesters who were peacefully holding signs and chanting pro-Palestinian slogans. The police operation was well-resourced, with officers deployed to intervene and arrest anyone expressing support for Palestine Action.

Key Takeaways:

• The Metropolitan Police made over 50 arrests in Parliament Square, targeting protesters who were showing support for Palestine Action.
• The protest, organized by Defend Our Juries, attracted between 600 and 700 people, who remained largely silent while holding signs and chanting slogans.
• Protesters were met with significant police resources, with officers intervening to arrest those who were seen as expressing support for the banned organization.
• The arrests were made under the Terrorism Act 2000, which makes membership of or support for Palestine Action a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
• Three people were charged earlier in the week with supporting Palestine Action in England and Wales, and hundreds of others have been arrested in wave of protests across the UK since the ban was implemented.
• The proscription of Palestine Action was based on strong security advice and the recommendation of the expert cross-government proscription review group, which cited serious attacks committed by the group.

Statistics:

• Over 50 arrests made by the Metropolitan Police during the protest.
• Between 600 and 700 people attended the protest in Parliament Square.
• Three people have been charged with supporting Palestine Action in England and Wales.
• Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in wave of protests across the UK since the ban was implemented.
• Up to 14 years in prison is the maximum sentence for membership of or support for Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Sources:

• Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) via Twitter, August 9, 2025.
• PA Wire, multiple images.