UK police make arrests at protest over Palestine Action groups ban

Hundreds Gather in Trafalgar Square for Demonstration Against Palestine Action Ban

London, United Kingdom - A large crowd gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday as hundreds of people demonstrated against a ban on campaign group Palestine Action. The demonstration was organized by Defend Our Juries (DOJ), a UK-based activist group.

The group is demanding that the government lift the ban and drop all charges and investigations into those who have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for allegedly supporting the campaigners. They are also protesting against the Metropolitan Police’s decision to resume arrests of individuals showing support for Palestine Action, despite a High Court ruling that deemed the proscription of the group unlawful.

The demonstration saw an estimated 1,500 people participate, with many holding signs expressing their opposition to the ban and support for Palestine Action. One demonstrator stated that he was taking part because he believed in democracy and felt that Britain had descended into a non-democratic situation.

Palestine Action is a direct action group that aims to end British complicity in Israel’s mistreatment of Palestinians. The UK government proscribed the group as a “terrorist organisation” in July 2025, making it illegal to be a member of or express support for the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The High Court ruled in February that the government’s proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful and deemed it disproportionate. However, the Metropolitan Police announced on March 25 that they would resume arrests for those showing support for the group, sparking criticism from organizers who claim this decision defies the court ruling.

A hearing on the UK government’s appeal against the High Court ruling is scheduled to take place on April 28 and 29 at the Court of Appeal.

Source: Al Jazeera