U.K. Arrests Dozens After Palestine Action Ban \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ More than 70 people were arrested in cities across the U.K. during protests opposing the government’s decision to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The move came after a break-in and vandalism at an RAF base. Demonstrators now face prosecution under terrorism laws.
Quick Looks
- 70+ arrested across U.K. in Palestine Action protests
- Group banned under Terrorism Act after RAF base raid
- 42 arrested in London, 16 in Manchester, 13 in Cardiff
- Offenses include supporting a proscribed organization and common assault
- Support now criminalized: slogans, signs, and clothing banned
- Police remove silent demonstrators from Parliament Square
- RAF Brize Norton attack caused £7M in damages
- Four activists charged, to appear at Old Bailey July 18
- Palestine Action opposed U.K. military ties to Israel
- Ban follows rising tensions over Gaza conflict support
Deep Look
Dozens Arrested Across U.K. as Palestine Action Ban Sparks National Protests
Over 70 people were arrested Saturday across three major U.K. cities as protests erupted in response to the British government’s decision to classify the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000. The ban came in the wake of a high-profile break-in at a Royal Air Force base, and demonstrators now face potential prosecution for showing support for the group.
The Metropolitan Police in London confirmed 42 arrests by late Saturday afternoon. All but one were for offenses related to showing support for a proscribed group—a designation that now criminalizes acts such as chanting, holding signs, wearing related clothing, or carrying symbols linked to Palestine Action. One additional arrest was made for common assault.
Similar protests in Manchester and Cardiff led to 16 and 13 arrests, respectively, as demonstrators defied the recent legislation to voice their opposition to the group’s proscription.
Parliament Square Becomes the Focal Point of Protest
In London, it was the second consecutive weekend of demonstrations in support of Palestine Action. Protesters gathered beneath the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square—icons of resistance and civil rights—highlighting what organizers called “the criminalization of activism.”
Many held signs reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” and stood in silence, surrounded by police and the media. Some sat or lay on the ground, only to be searched and then physically removed by officers and placed in police vans stationed nearby.
The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that protestors were detained under new legal powers granted by Palestine Action’s designation as a terrorist group.
Palestine Action Designated as Terrorist Group After RAF Break-In
Earlier this month, the U.K. government officially banned Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000, joining a list of 81 proscribed organizations that includes Hamas and al-Qaida. The ban followed a June 20 incident at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where Palestine Action activists broke into the base and vandalized military aircraft with red paint and crowbars.
The attack was intended as a protest against U.K. arms sales and military support for Israel during its ongoing war in Gaza. Police reported that two aircraft were damaged in the action, causing an estimated £7 million ($9.4 million USD) in damage.
Four individuals between the ages of 22 and 35 were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited site for purposes prejudicial to the interests of the U.K. They are scheduled to appear at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) on July 18.
Government Faces Backlash Over Terrorism Classification
The proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist group has sparked sharp criticism from human rights advocates and civil liberties groups. Critics argue that the move represents a significant escalation in the criminalization of protest and may set a precedent for using counter-terrorism laws to suppress political dissent.
Supporters of the ban, however, maintain that actions such as the RAF base break-in go beyond lawful protest and constitute acts of sabotage and national security threats.
Under the current law, individuals found guilty of supporting a proscribed organization can face up to 14 years in prison. This includes not only members, but anyone who publicly expresses support or displays symbols associated with the group.
Broader Context: Gaza Conflict and U.K. Arms Sales
Palestine Action has gained notoriety over the past few years for targeting arms manufacturers and military facilities across the U.K., including Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons manufacturer with operations in Britain. The group argues that U.K. support for Israel’s military efforts in Gaza is complicit in the alleged oppression of Palestinians.
The Gaza conflict, which reignited following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, has led to over 57,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. U.K. government support for Israel—particularly arms trade ties—has drawn significant criticism from activists and political opposition figures.
Saturday’s arrests are likely to fuel further protest movements and court challenges, as civil rights groups prepare to contest the ban on constitutional and international law grounds.
U.K. Arrests Dozens U.K. Arrests Dozens
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