London Police Arrest 150 Supporting Palestine, Sparks Free Speech Debate/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ London police arrested at least 150 demonstrators for publicly supporting the banned Palestine Action group during a protest outside Parliament. The group was outlawed in July as a terrorist organization after activists damaged military aircraft at a British airbase. Critics say the ban and arrests are an attack on freedom of expression.
London Palestine Action Arrests Quick Looks
- 150+ arrested outside Parliament for defying ban on Palestine Action.
- Group outlawed in July after damaging RAF aircraft in protest.
- Supporters argue ban undermines free speech and democracy.
- Busy protest weekend in London over Gaza war and immigration.
- Government criticized for both recognizing Palestine and not ending Gaza war.
- Counter-protests planned over asylum seeker housing in hotels.
- Police warn of major operational strain from multiple demonstrations.
London Police Arrest 150 Supporting Palestine, Sparks Free Speech Debate
Deep Look
London police arrested at least 150 people on Saturday after they openly defied a new law banning public support for the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action. The arrests took place in Parliament Square, where demonstrators held placards and chanted slogans in solidarity with the group, which was designated a terrorist organization last month.
The ban, approved by Parliament in early July, followed a June 20 incident in which Palestine Action activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, sprayed red paint into the engines of two Royal Air Force tanker planes, and caused further damage with crowbars. Officials say the action endangered national security and targeted Britain’s military support for Israel’s war against Hamas.
How the Ban Works
Under the new legislation, it is now a criminal offense to publicly display support for Palestine Action, including holding banners or wearing clothing that references the group. The Metropolitan Police said Saturday’s arrests were based on the visible display of such support, citing placards that read:
“I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
“While many of those remaining in the square are media and onlookers, there are still people holding placards supporting Palestine Action,” the force said on X (formerly Twitter). Officers continued to work through the crowd, making arrests throughout the afternoon.
Political Context and Legal Challenge
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper moved to proscribe the group as a terrorist organization after the RAF base raid, describing its tactics as:
“criminal acts designed to intimidate and cause serious economic and security harm.”
Palestine Action has long targeted Israeli defense companies operating in the UK, as well as facilities and suppliers it believes are linked to the Israeli military. Supporters argue their protests, while disruptive, do not constitute terrorism.
Several advocacy groups are challenging the ban in court, arguing it dangerously broadens the legal definition of terrorism. Defend Our Juries, one of the supporting organizations, warned on its website:
“Once the meaning of ‘terrorism’ is separated from campaigns of violence against a civilian population… then the right to freedom of expression has no meaning and democracy is dead.”
Tensions Over Gaza and Government Policy
The arrests come as London braces for a weekend of politically charged demonstrations. Later on Saturday, a pro-Palestinian march was scheduled to move through central London and end outside 10 Downing Street, the official residence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
While Starmer has pledged to recognize a Palestinian state later this year, he faces criticism from Palestinian solidarity groups for not taking stronger action to end the Gaza war. Israel has condemned his recognition plan, calling it premature and counterproductive.
Counter-Protests and Hostage March
On Sunday, pro-Israel groups plan to march through central London to demand the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. The assault killed about 1,200 people in Israel and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages; around 50 remain in captivity.
Beyond the Israel-Palestine issue, police are also preparing for demonstrations at hotels housing asylum seekers. These have recently been flashpoints for clashes between anti-immigration protesters, who claim migrants pose safety risks, and counter-protesters denouncing racism and xenophobia.
Police Under Pressure
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan warned that the convergence of these protests would stretch police resources to the limit.
“This is going to be a particularly busy few days in London with many simultaneous protests and events that will require a significant policing presence,” Adelekan said.
The arrests over Palestine Action support mark one of the first major enforcement tests of the new ban, setting the stage for further clashes between the government’s security priorities and campaigners’ demands for protest rights. As court challenges proceed, the case will likely become a high-profile test of the UK’s counterterrorism laws and their compatibility with democratic freedoms.
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