London’s Metropolitan Police arrested more than 365 people during a protest in Parliament Square on Saturday. This, they said, was the largest show of support for Palestine Action since the UK banned the group under anti-terror laws last month. Furthermore, police expect more arrests in the coming days as they review evidence.
While organisers claimed only a small part of the crowd was arrested, police rejected this. In their words, “That claim simply isn’t true.” They added, “We are confident that anyone here today holding a placard backing Palestine Action was either arrested or is in the process of being arrested.”
Arrest update: Parliament Square and Whitehall are clear.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 9, 2025
As of 9pm, 466 people had been arrested for showing support for Palestine Action.
There were a further eight arrests for other offences including five assaults on officers.
This will be the final update of the day. pic.twitter.com/9V5pgh6CVF
Protest Atmosphere
Meanwhile, protesters wore black-and-white Palestinian scarves and waved flags. They chanted “shame on you” and “hands off Gaza.” In addition, many carried placards reading, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
This protest took place just weeks after the UK outlawed Palestine Action. In July, members broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged aircraft to protest Britain’s support for Israel. As a result, membership in the group became a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Legal Challenge to Ban
However, co-founder Huda Ammori has now received permission to challenge the ban in court. The Home Office, on the other hand, said members were suspected of other “serious attacks” that caused injuries and damage.
The ban has also sparked criticism from the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Greenpeace. These organisations argue that it restricts free speech and sets a dangerous precedent.
Defending Civil Liberties
In response, Defend Our Juries — the group behind Saturday’s protest — said “unprecedented numbers” risked arrest to defend “ancient liberties.” They also promised more action in September.
Crowds gathered near parliament with signs reading “oppose genocide, support Palestine Action.” Craig Bell, a 39-year-old psychotherapist, called the ban “absolutely ridiculous.” He told AFP, “When you compare Palestine Action with an actual terrorist group who are killing civilians and taking lives, it’s just a joke that they’re being prescribed a terrorist group.”
Voices From the Protest
Similarly, Richard Bull, 42, a wheelchair user, said, “Let them arrest us all. This government has gone too far. I have nothing to feel ashamed of.”
As police moved in on demonstrators, the crowd applauded those being taken away.
Legal and NGO Opposition
Over the past few weekends, police have arrested dozens more since the ban came into force on July 5. Now, anyone expressing support for Palestine Action risks arrest.
This week, for example, three people in England and Wales were charged with supporting the group. In Scotland, seven others have been charged under separate laws.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has urged police to use restraint when dealing with placards supporting Palestine Action, warning that such arrests breach international human rights law.
Finally, a court will hear the legal challenge against the ban later this year.