by London, UK – July 14, 2025 – British police have arrested over 70 individuals across the United Kingdom for allegedly showing support for Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian activist group recently proscribed under the UK’s anti-terrorism legislation. The arrests, which took place primarily in London and Manchester on Saturday, July 12, indicate a major shift in the government’s stance on protest and free speech surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The crackdown follows the UK government’s decision earlier this month to officially designate Palestine Action as a proscribed terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000. This places the group in the same legal category as entities like Hamas and al-Qaeda, making membership or public support for its actions a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Protests and Arrests Across the UK
In London, the Metropolitan Police reported at least 41 arrests in Parliament Square on Saturday, predominantly for “showing support for a proscribed organization.” One individual was also arrested for common assault. This marks the second consecutive weekend of such protests and arrests in the capital, with 29 people detained at a similar demonstration last week.
Similar arrests were reported in other cities:
- Manchester: Greater Manchester Police confirmed 16 arrests.
- Cardiff: South Wales Police stated 13 people were arrested.
- Reports also indicated arrests in Derry, Northern Ireland.
Protesters in London gathered near statues of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, holding placards that read, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Footage from the demonstrations showed police officers surrounding protesters, searching bags, and carrying away individuals who were lying on the ground.
The Ban: Context and Controversy
The decision to ban Palestine Action came after activists associated with the group broke into a Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, on June 20. During the incident, they allegedly damaged two planes with red paint and crowbars, protesting Britain’s military support for Israel. Police estimated the damage at around £7 million (approximately USD 9.4 million). Four individuals have since been charged in connection with this incident and are scheduled to appear in court later this month.
The proscription of Palestine Action has drawn strong criticism from various groups:
- Human Rights Organizations: Groups like Amnesty International have called the ban an “unprecedented legal overreach” and expressed concerns about its implications for freedom of expression and the right to protest in the UK. They argue that using anti-terrorism laws against a group primarily accused of property damage is inappropriate.
- UN Experts: Before the ban, several UN experts urged the UK government not to proceed, warning that classifying a political protest movement as “terrorist” based on property damage falls short of international standards.
- Campaign Group Defend Our Juries: This group, which organized some of Saturday’s rallies, described the ban as “Orwellian,” questioning the police’s role in enforcing it.
- Palestine Action Itself: The group, founded in July 2020, states it aims to use “disruptive tactics” to target companies involved in weapons manufacturing for Israel. It has condemned the proscription as an attack on free speech.
- The British government, however, maintains that the group’s actions have caused significant damage and fall under the scope of anti-terrorism legislation. The ban officially came into force after a High Court challenge by Palestine Action failed earlier in July.
Broader Implications
The arrests and the group’s proscription highlight the increasingly contentious environment surrounding pro-Palestinian activism in the UK, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Critics fear that the broad interpretation of anti-terrorism laws could stifle legitimate protest and suppress dissenting voices, setting a concerning precedent for civil liberties in the country.
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