Britain arrests over 500 Palestine Action demonstrators

London police crack down on demonstration held by banned group Palestine Action in Trafalgar Square, arresting hundreds of activists.

By World Israel News Staff

London police arrested more than 500 people at an anti-Israel protest in central London over the weekend after demonstrators gathered to oppose the government’s ban on Palestine Action, one of the largest mass-arrest actions linked to the group since it was proscribed.

London’s Metropolitan Police said that 523 people were arrested at the demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Saturday.

Those detained were suspected of showing support for a proscribed organization, an offense under British law. The protest was held to decry Britain’s ban on Palestine Action.

The protest was organized by Defend Our Juries, which has backed previous public actions against the ban. Images from the scene showed demonstrators holding signs in support of Palestine Action and Palestinian flags as police moved through the square making arrests.

The arrests came amid a continuing legal and political fight over the controversial group’s status.

Britain banned Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws last year after a series of direct-action incidents, including a break-in at a Royal Air Force base in June 2025.

In February, London’s High Court ruled that the ban was unlawful, saying it disproportionately interfered with free speech rights. But the government was later granted permission to appeal, and the ban remains in force while that appeal proceeds.

The government’s appeal is due to be heard later this month.

Over 1,000 protesters took part in the demonstration, defying warnings by London’s Metropolitan Police that it would continue to enforce the government ban.

“While the Met regularly polices peaceful and lawful protest without the need for arrests, this event presents different considerations,” said Commander Claire Smart.

“Those attending should be aware that showing support for a proscribed organisation is an offense under the Terrorism Act, and we will not hesitate to act where the law is broken.”