UK police arrest more than 466 people in London for showing public support for the banned group Palestine Action (Met Police said). The arrests took place on August 9, 2025, at a protest in Parliament Square where people held Palestinian flags and shouted slogans supporting Gaza. The protest was one of the biggest Gaza protest events in recent months.
The UK government banned Palestine Action in July under the Terrorism Act (Home Office announcement). Officials say the group was involved in breaking into a Royal Air Force base and damaging military aircraft. Because of the ban, being part of or supporting the group is now a crime and can lead to up to 14 years in jail.
UK police arrest hundreds during London protest
The protest was organised by the group Defend Our Juries. Around 500 to 1,000 people took part. Many held signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine action.” Organisers and supporters called the arrests an attack on free speech. They said they will keep protesting despite the government ban.
Police said they made 466 arrests for supporting a banned group (Met Police statement). They also made eight other arrests for different offences, such as assaulting officers. The police reported no serious injuries during the protest.
UK police arrest sparks legal challenge and rights concerns
Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action, has received court approval to challenge the government’s decision to ban the group. A hearing is expected later this year, and more protests are planned for September.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, criticised the arrests. They said it was wrong to treat peaceful pro-Palestine protests as a criminal matter. Campaigners believe the crackdown could harm free speech and the right to protest in the UK.
Those who support the ban say it is needed to keep the country safe. They say that Palestine Action used illegal and dangerous tactics to make its point. However, critics believe the move targets peaceful activists and increases tensions over the Gaza conflict.
The mass arrests have added fuel to the debate over how to balance safety and civil rights. With more Gaza protest events expected, the government’s actions and the upcoming legal battle could shape future protest laws in the UK.
