British authorities detained hundreds of demonstrators outside the U.S. Embassy in London as opposition mounted to the government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, with the Supreme Court scheduled to review the ban on Nov. 4.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed Sunday, Nov. 1, that 325 people were arrested during a demonstration supporting the banned organization Palestine Action outside the U.S. Embassy, days before Britain’s Supreme Court considers a legal challenge to the government’s decision to classify the activist group as a terrorist organization.
The arrests occurred Saturday, Oct. 31, during a demonstration organized by Defend Our Juries in the Nine Elms area of southwest London. Hundreds of protesters gathered to challenge the prohibition, which makes membership in or certain expressions of support for Palestine Action a criminal offense under Britain’s Terrorism Act.
According to an Agence France-Presse report published Sunday, the demonstration was organized ahead of a two-day Supreme Court hearing beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4, over the legality of the British government’s decision to outlaw Palestine Action in 2025.
“In total, 325 people were arrested yesterday,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement Sunday.
“The vast majority of arrests — 320 — were for expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act.”
The demonstration involved participants carrying signs expressing opposition to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and support for Palestine Action. Many displayed placards stating, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Police began detaining protesters individually shortly after midday, with some demonstrators carried away by officers after refusing to walk. Others applauded and chanted “free, free Palestine” as those arrested were escorted to police vehicles.
The gathering was part of a continuing campaign against the British government’s decision to designate Palestine Action under counterterrorism legislation. The classification places the organization on the same statutory list of proscribed groups as Hamas and other organizations designated by British authorities as terrorist entities.
Under the Terrorism Act 2000, belonging to a proscribed organization or engaging in certain forms of support for one can carry a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. The restrictions have generated controversy over their application to protesters who publicly express support for Palestine Action without participating in the group’s direct-action activities.
The British government moved to ban Palestine Action in 2025 following incidents targeting defense-related facilities, including a June 2025 break-in at Royal Air Force Brize Norton, where activists damaged two military aircraft.
Palestine Action, established in 2020, has conducted protests and direct-action campaigns against companies it accuses of supporting Israeli military operations. Its activities have included damage to equipment at facilities associated with Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems.
Supporters maintain that the organization engages in politically motivated protest against Britain’s military and commercial relationships with Israel. British authorities have argued that its actions have crossed the threshold for designation under counterterrorism laws.
The dispute has subsequently developed into a wider controversy over civil liberties, political expression and the limits of national security legislation.
Campaigners and police figures indicate that more than 4,000 people have been arrested in connection with demonstrations supporting Palestine Action since the ban took effect. Those detained have included elderly demonstrators, retirees and Holocaust survivors who participated in protests against the designation.
Organizers contend that peaceful expressions of political support should not be treated as terrorism-related offenses. Government officials, however, maintain that publicly expressing support for an organization prohibited under the Terrorism Act can constitute a criminal offense regardless of whether the individual has participated in violent conduct.
The ban has also faced judicial scrutiny. In February 2026, Britain’s High Court ruled that the prohibition was disproportionate. The Court of Appeal subsequently upheld the government’s position in June, leaving the restrictions in place pending further proceedings.
The Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Nov. 4 and 5 will examine the legal issues surrounding the designation, including the government’s authority to prohibit the organization and the implications for freedom of expression.
The controversy has extended beyond Britain. In August 2026, the administration of President Donald Trump designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in the United States and imposed sanctions against it.
The American designation formed part of the administration’s broader actions against organizations it identified as involved in extremist or politically motivated unlawful activity. Supporters of Palestine Action have criticized both governments’ decisions, arguing that the restrictions could discourage legitimate political protest.
Saturday’s demonstrations were not confined to London. A smaller gathering took place outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland, where participants displayed placards expressing support for the banned organization.
Police Scotland reported no immediate arrests during the Edinburgh demonstration but said officers were reviewing evidence of potential offenses involving public expressions of support for a proscribed group.
“Enquiries are ongoing to identify people seen wearing t-shirts and holding banners showing support for a proscribed organisation,” Police Scotland said.
“Evidence is being reviewed and further action will be taken as appropriate.”
The Metropolitan Police initially reported 139 arrests Saturday before increasing the total to 325 in its Sunday update. Of those detained, 320 were arrested on suspicion of expressing support for a proscribed organization, while five arrests involved other alleged offenses.
The latest detentions add to an extensive series of arrests arising from protests against the ban and come amid heightened public attention to the upcoming Supreme Court proceedings.
The court’s consideration of the case will address the legal foundation of the government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action, while the restrictions on membership and support remain in effect.
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