Mass Arrests in London as Protest Defies Ban on Palestine Action

Published: 09 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

London witnessed one of the largest mass arrests in recent history as police detained at least 200 people during a protest in support of the proscribed organisation Palestine Action. The demonstration, which took place in Parliament Square, drew hundreds of participants despite the legal ban on the group.

Palestine Action was officially proscribed on 5 July, making it a criminal offence to express support for the organisation, an act now punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The Metropolitan Police stated that a “significant number” of those present were seen displaying placards endorsing the group. Officers moved through the crowd steadily, making arrests throughout the afternoon, while also reporting four incidents of assault on police officers.

The rally was organised by Defend Our Juries, who claimed that up to 700 people had attended and accused the police of preparing for “the largest mass arrest in their history.” The list of detainees reportedly included former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg, NHS workers, Quakers, and a blind wheelchair user. Organisers insisted that neither Palestine Action nor those holding supportive signs posed any threat to public safety.

Earlier in the week, Defend Our Juries had announced the protest would go ahead regardless of the ban, following similar demonstrations since the proscription was enacted. On the same day, a separate march organised by the Palestine Coalition gathered in Russell Square and later assembled on Whitehall. Police confirmed one arrest there for carrying a placard supporting Palestine Action.

The protest in Parliament Square began around 1pm, with attendees displaying handwritten messages such as “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” While some stood in silence, others joined in pro-Palestinian chants.

The Home Office reiterated that the ban targets the specific activities of Palestine Action, not general protests supporting Palestinian rights. “It only applies to the specific and narrow organisation whose activities do not reflect or represent the thousands of people across the country who continue to exercise their fundamental rights to protest on different issues,” a spokesperson said.

Three individuals—Jeremy Shippam, 71, of West Sussex; Judit Murray, 71, of Surrey; and Fiona Maclean, 53, of Hackney—have already been charged over illegal Palestine Action activity. They are due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 September.

The legality of the ban is set to be tested in November, when the High Court hears a full judicial review brought by the group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori. The outcome of that case could have significant implications for the boundaries of protest and political expression in the UK.