Palestine Action Protest: More Than 300 Arrested Outside US Embassy in London
More Than 300 Arrested at Palestine Action Support Protest Outside US Embassy
More than 300 people have been arrested at a protest supporting Palestine Action outside the United States embassy in London. The demonstration took place as campaigners challenged the UK government’s decision to ban the group under terrorism legislation.
The Metropolitan Police said on Sunday, November 1, that 325 people had been arrested during Saturday’s demonstration in Nine Elms, south-west London. Police said 320 of the arrests were for allegedly expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act.
The protest attracted hundreds of people, many of whom carried signs opposing the ban and expressing solidarity with Palestine Action. The arrests have renewed debate about freedom of expression, public protest and the government’s use of counterterrorism laws.
Protesters Gather Outside US Embassy
The demonstration was organised by Defend Our Juries, a campaign group that has opposed the proscription of Palestine Action.
Protesters gathered outside the US embassy in Nine Elms on Saturday, October 31. Many held placards reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Others carried Palestinian flags and wore traditional keffiyehs. Some signs described the demonstrators as protesters rather than terrorists.
As police began making arrests, people in the crowd chanted “Free, free Palestine” and applauded those being taken away by officers.
Several demonstrators were carried by police after refusing to walk to waiting police vehicles. One protester also climbed a tree near the embassy while holding a placard supporting the group.
The demonstration was held outside the US embassy because campaigners wanted to draw attention to the international response to Palestine Action and the conflict in Gaza.
Why Were the Protesters Arrested?
Palestine Action was proscribed by the UK government in June 2025. Under the Terrorism Act, expressing support for a proscribed organisation can constitute a criminal offence.
The police said most of the people arrested during Saturday’s protest were detained on suspicion of expressing support for such an organisation.
The legal position has become a major point of disagreement between the government and campaigners. Supporters of the ban argue that it responds to the group’s actions, while opponents say the law risks criminalising peaceful political expression.
Palestine Action was founded in 2020 and has organised direct-action campaigns against companies it says are linked to Israel’s military. Its activities have included attacks on property, which the government cited when defending its decision to proscribe the organisation.
The government maintains that the ban followed an evidence-based process. Campaigners argue that expressing opposition to the ban should not lead to criminal prosecution.
Campaigners Raise Concerns About Civil Liberties
Some demonstrators said they attended because they feared the restrictions could weaken civil liberties in Britain.
Charles Allison, a 75-year-old retired lawyer who travelled from Cumbria, told the Press Association that he was concerned about the direction of the country’s approach to protest.
He said he felt compelled to take part despite the possibility of arrest.
For campaigners, the demonstration was intended to show that opposition to the ban remains strong. They also hope the growing number of arrests will bring greater public attention to the legal dispute.
Defend Our Juries said the total number of people detained for defying the ban had passed 4,000 since July 2025. That figure was provided by the campaign group.
Supreme Court Appeal Approaches
The protest took place just days before a scheduled Supreme Court appeal concerning Palestine Action’s proscription.
The legal challenge is expected to focus attention on the relationship between national security powers, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.
Previous court decisions have differed. The High Court ruled against the ban in February 2026, describing it as disproportionate, but the Court of Appeal later ruled that the proscription was lawful.
The forthcoming appeal could therefore become an important stage in the continuing dispute.
Another Protest Takes Place in Edinburgh
A separate demonstration supporting Palestine Action was held outside the US consulate near Holyrood in Edinburgh.
Police Scotland reported that no arrests were made at the Edinburgh gathering, although the demonstration formed part of the wider campaign against the ban.
The events highlight the continuing disagreement over how the UK should balance public safety, counterterrorism laws and political protest.
For those arrested in London, the immediate consequences will depend on how police handle their cases. For campaigners, the focus now turns to the Supreme Court hearing and whether the legal challenge will change the group’s status.
The protest has placed freedom of expression and the limits of lawful dissent back at the centre of Britain’s political debate.
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