London, U.K. — British police arrested 48 people during a demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy on Saturday, as protesters challenged the United Kingdom’s decision to designate Palestine Action as a proscribed terrorist organization.
The Metropolitan Police said most of the arrests involved people allegedly expressing support for the group. More than 100 demonstrators were reported at the protest, which took place outside the embassy in the Nine Elms area. Police said officers remained at the scene and that additional arrests were continuing when the statement was issued.
“Officers remain at the scene and are continuing to make arrests,” the Metropolitan Police said.
Many demonstrators carried placards declaring opposition to genocide and support for Palestine Action. Some participants applauded and chanted “free, free Palestine” as people were escorted to police vehicles. The event was organized in the context of an upcoming legal challenge to the government’s decision to outlaw the group.
Proscription makes support a criminal offence
The British government placed Palestine Action on its list of proscribed organizations last year. Under that designation, authorities say that membership in, or public support for, the group can constitute a criminal offence carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Police had warned before the demonstration that people attending could be arrested, particularly those involved in organizing the event or providing logistical assistance.
- Arrests: 48 people were detained, according to the Metropolitan Police.
- Location: The demonstration took place outside the U.S. Embassy in London’s Nine Elms district.
- Next legal step: The Supreme Court appeal is scheduled for Nov. 4.
The protest came days before the Supreme Court is due to hear an appeal against Palestine Action’s designation. Supporters argue that the ban is excessive and infringes on freedom of expression. The organization, founded in 2020, says it seeks to disrupt companies connected to Israel’s military industry and to end what it describes as military support for Israel. Israel strongly rejects the group’s allegation that it is committing genocide against Palestinians.
Related action in Scotland
A separate vigil was held outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh. Police Scotland reported no arrests there, but said officers were reviewing evidence involving people who allegedly wore clothing or displayed banners supporting the proscribed organization. The force said further action could follow after inquiries are completed.
Palestine Action has previously claimed responsibility for direct action against defence-related facilities. In 2024, activists entered a factory operated by Elbit Systems UK, an Israeli weapons manufacturer, and damaged equipment using tools including sledgehammers and crowbars. The group says such disruption is intended to target businesses it considers connected to Israel’s military-industrial network.
The London arrests follow a similar demonstration held during the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool last month, when more than 160 people were arrested or reported for summons, according to the source report. The latest operation has renewed debate in Britain over the boundary between public protest and criminalized support for a proscribed organization. The Supreme Court hearing on Nov. 4 is expected to be the next major test of that dispute.
