London — August 9, 2025 — More than 150 people have been arrested in central London after demonstrators openly defied a newly enacted law banning support for the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action.
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| Arrests: Over 150 confirmed |
The protests erupted outside the UK Parliament, where many participants displayed signs and chanted slogans in support of the group, despite it being officially declared a terrorist organization by the British government last month.
Police say the arrests are part of enforcing legislation that makes public endorsement of Palestine Action a criminal offense. According to the Metropolitan Police, anyone visibly showing support for the group during the demonstration was either arrested on the spot or is in the process of being detained.
Why the Group Was Banned
The UK government proscribed Palestine Action in early July after a high-profile incident in which activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, vandalizing military aircraft by spraying red paint into engines and damaging equipment with crowbars.
Officials said the move was necessary to protect national security and prevent disruptions to Britain’s military support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. The ban also followed a series of protests targeting Israeli defense contractors operating in the UK.
Protesters Claim Free Speech Violation
Supporters of Palestine Action argue that the ban is an attack on civil liberties, accusing the government of broadening the definition of terrorism to include non-violent economic and symbolic protest.
“This law criminalizes dissent,” one demonstrator told reporters. “It’s about silencing voices that speak out against the government’s role in the war.”
Since the ban came into effect, protesters have staged repeated demonstrations in London, insisting they will continue to challenge what they see as an unconstitutional restriction on freedom of expression.
Police Response
Officers were deployed in large numbers around Parliament to monitor the protest and enforce the law. By Saturday afternoon, over 150 arrests had been confirmed, with police stating the number could rise as more demonstrators are processed.
“Those attending demonstrations must do so within the boundaries of the law,” a police spokesperson said. “Publicly supporting a proscribed organization is a criminal offense, and our officers are enforcing this legislation accordingly.”
Key Facts
Date of protest: August 9, 2025
Location: Outside Parliament, London
Arrests: Over 150 confirmed
Reason: Public support for Palestine Action, a banned group
Ban introduced: Early July 2025
Trigger incident: RAF Brize Norton vandalism
FAQs
1. Why is Palestine Action banned in the UK?
The UK government declared Palestine Action a terrorist organization after activists vandalized military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, disrupting operations tied to Britain’s military support for Israel.
2. How many protesters were arrested in London?
Police have confirmed that more than 150 people were arrested for publicly showing support for Palestine Action during the August 9 protest.
3. What does the new law say?
The law prohibits public endorsement of any group listed as a terrorist organization, including displaying signs, chanting slogans, or organizing events in their support.
4. Are the protests violent?
The August 9 demonstration was primarily peaceful, though arrests were made solely for violating the new ban, not for acts of violence.
5. What do critics say about the ban?
Critics argue the ban infringes on free speech and extends the definition of terrorism to include non-violent protest actions.
