UK police arrest dozens at London protest in support of banned Palestine Action

London police arrested at least 48 people on Saturday at a protest outside the US Embassy supporting Palestine Action, a group banned under UK anti-terror laws. The Metropolitan Police said most arrests were for expressing support for a proscribed organization. The Supreme Court is due to hear a challenge to the ban on November 4.

At least 48 people were arrested in London on Saturday as hundreds gathered outside the US Embassy in support of Palestine Action, a group banned under British anti-terror laws since July 2025. The Metropolitan Police began making arrests shortly after the protest began, stating that most arrests were for expressing support for a proscribed organization. Organizer Defend Our Juries estimated around 400 people attended and accused police of arresting individuals before any signs were displayed, including volunteers supporting others holding signs and people with blank placards. The ban on Palestine Action followed a series of actions including a break-in at RAF Brize Norton where two military planes were damaged, and attacks on Israel-linked defense companies. The High Court ruled the proscription unlawful in February 2026, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision in June. A Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for November 4. The article also notes internal divisions in the Green Party of England and Wales over a resolution declaring Zionism a form of racism, which led to a loss of nearly 20,000 members and defections.