At least 425 people have been arrested at a protest in support of the banned terror group Palestine Action on Saturday.
Demonstrations are underway in London, Belfast and Edinburgh, with many in Westminster gathering in Parliament Square carrying flags and signs reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
Roughly 1,500 people are understood to have taken part in the protest and show their support for the proscribed group.
One man was seen being wheeled away by police as the crowd chanted “shame on you”, while women wearing Palestinian scarves argued heatedly with officers — with one shouting: “Imagine if I pushed you!”
A giant drum could be heard thudding through the square as protesters were picked out and taken one by one to the north-west corner.
The Metropolitan Police had earlier warned that anyone attending the Westminster protest will be acting unlawfully and could face arrest.
Scotland Yard’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “Anyone showing support for Palestine Action will face arrest,” adding that police had the “officer numbers, custody capacity and all other resources to process as many people as is required.”
Separately, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign is holding a march from Russell Square to Whitehall between 12pm and 4pm.
Please follow the latest updates below.
Key Points
- Met Police says at least 425 people have been arrested at protest supporting proscribed group Palestine Action
Live coverage ends
21:36 , Jacob PhillipsThe Standard’s live coverage has ended.
You can find out more about the protests in Parliament Square on Saturday in the article below.
At least 425 arrests at tense Palestine Action protest in Parliament Square
At least 425 people arrested, the Met Police confirms
21:21 , Jacob PhillipsThe Met Police has provided its final update of the evening following today’s protest supporting Palestine Action.
Scotland Yard said at least 425 arrests have been made.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Claire Smart, who led the policing operation said: “Over the course of the afternoon, we deployed more than 2,500 officers to manage protests across the capital.
“The majority of protests, including the Palestine Coalition march attended by around 20,000 people, passed with very few arrests.
“This was not the case at the protest organised by Defend Our Juries in support of the proscribed terrorist organisation Palestine Action.
“In carrying out their duties today, our officers have been punched, kicked, spat on and had objects thrown at them by protesters.
“It is intolerable that those whose job it is to enforce the law and keep people safe – in this case arresting individuals committing offences under the Terrorism Act – should be subject to this level of abuse.
“Our role in the context of protest remains as it always has been – to police without fear or favour, to enforce the law, and to ensure those exercising their right to protest can do so safely.
“Where a group advertises that they intend to commit crimes, we have a duty to respond accordingly.
“The tactics deployed by supporters of Palestine Action in their attempt to overwhelm the justice system, as well as the level of violence seen in the crowd, required significant resource which took officers out of neighbourhoods to the detriment of the Londoners who rely on them.”
Reverend Sue Parfitt, 83, arrested at Westminster protest
21:00 , Jacob PhillipsReverend Sue Parfitt, 83, who was arrested today for a second time for sign-holding under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, has insisted that Palestine Action is not a terrorist organisation.
She said: “I am an Anglican Priest and Jesus is my leader. Clearly, we are witnessing a genocide and the deliberate starvation of the Palestinian people who have been persecuted by Israel for generations, long before the Nakba in 1948, with the help of this country.
“The truth is that Palestine Action is not a terrorist organisation.
“It caused much damage confined to the weapons that are being used on the Palestinians.
“All of us with any moral backbone at all must stand up against this. Gandhi said non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as cooperation with good.
“And a very good way to do this is to come out onto the streets with our signs saying ‘I support Palestine Action’.”
Protesters light candles as night falls on Parliament Square
20:47 , Jacob PhillipsAs night fell on Parliament Square, protesters lit candles and gathered in a circle for a singalong of We Shall Overcome, surrounding three demonstrators seated on the grass.
Meanwhile, police continued to move on those remaining – with between 100 and 200 still sat down in the square.
Around 300 arrests have been made at Palestine Action protest
19:51 , Jacob PhillipsAround 300 arrests have now been made at the protest in support of proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action, Scotland Yard has said.
The Met Police has said its police operation is continuing, and has said it will continue to provide further updates.
Tents brought out to help protesters relieve themselves
19:36 , Jacob PhillipsVolunteers have brought tall privacy tents to assist protesters so they could relieve themselves without leaving their spot in Parliament Square.
As the evening grew colder, they handed out foil “space blankets” as well.
Many have been sitting for more than eight hours now.
Action has been 'picture of peaceful protest,' says Defend Our Juries
18:46 , Jacob PhillipsThe central London demonstration against the banning of Palestine Action as a terror group has been “the picture of peaceful protest”, organiser Defend Our Juries (DOJ) has said.
A spokesperson for the campaign group told the PA news agency: “I’ve been here all day and I haven’t seen any violence or aggression from anyone.
“The people they’re arresting, it’s all people sitting here silently holding signs, a lot of elderly, many disabled people, veterans, vicars, healthcare workers in their scrubs, just like the picture of peaceful protest. I’ve only seen aggression and violence from the police.”
They added that it was an “astonishing claim” from the Metropolitan Police after the force said its officers have been “subjected to an exceptional level of abuse” at the protest.
The DOJ spokesperson continued: “They’ve made so few arrests, it was going so slowly, I think they were probably embarrassed and maybe making this claim about violence to try and sort of deflect and change the narrative away from what the real story is here, which is that this ban is not enforceable and there’s just too many of us.
“It’s just being made a mockery of, really, by the numbers of people who are defying it and will continue to defy it until the Government drop it, and now there’s a new Home Secretary I think there’s a real opportunity for it to be dropped and this sends a strong message on her first day since her appointment that she’s inheriting this ban which is just unenforceable.”
Police make further arrests at Parliament Square
18:39 , Jacob PhillipsPolice made further arrests on the green at Parliament Square, appearing to select protesters at random to remove – most of them elderly.
Amid the tension, some demonstrators were seen sneaking “I support Palestine Action” stickers onto officers’ backs.
Responding to the arrests, a spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said in a written statement: “Despite Mark Rowley insisting the police could and would arrest everyone who opposed the ban, it would take them another 36 hours to arrest everyone at this rate.
“Yvette Cooper launched the biggest attack on our civil liberties in living memory, and it has backfired spectacularly. Now Yvette Cooper is no longer home secretary, the ban must go with her.
“This shows the new Home Secretary on her first day in office that the Palestine Action ban is impossible to enforce and a preposterous waste of resources.
“The terrorism laws were not designed to be wielded against a domestic protest group, or to arrest thousands across civil society for holding cardboard signs.”
Proscribing Palestine Action 'a mockery of the terrorism act' says protester
18:13 , Jacob PhillipsEarlier on Saturday 66-year-old Darryl told the Standard why he had chosen to attend the Defend Our Juries protest.
He described how Palestine Action becoming a proscribed organisation was “an absolutely ridiculous designation that going to be infringing on people's right to protest”.
He added that it makes “a mockery of the terrorism act” and believed the police did not want to be arresting protesters at the demonstration.
“I feel sorry for them,” he added. “But I understand why they are doing it.”
Police officers subject to 'exceptional level of abuse' says Scotland Yard
17:51 , Jacob PhillipsScotland Yard has said its officers have been “subjected to an exceptional level of abuse” at the Defend Our Juries protest.
The Met Police said there had been punches, kicks, spitting and objects thrown, as well as verbal abuse.
In a post on X, the force wrote: “Any assaults against officers will not be tolerated and arrests have already been made.
“We will identify all those responsible and prosecute to the full extent of the law.”
Star Wars Imperial March theme played as officers walk onto the green at Parliament Square
17:42 , Jacob PhillipsThe Star Wars Imperial March theme began playing from a speaker as police officers walked onto the green in single file at Parliament Square, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Police make at least 150 arrests at the Defend Our Juries protest
17:19 , Jacob PhillipsThe Met Police has said it has made around 150 arrests at the Defend Our Juries protest.
The force has explained the arrests have been for a range of offences, including assault on a police officer and expressing support for a proscribed organisation.
Officers have now made around 150 arrests at the Defend Our Juries protest for a range of offences, including assault on a police officer and expressing support for a proscribed organisation. pic.twitter.com/nZX4dWQd1v
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 6, 2025
'Something is going very wrong here in the UK' says human rights campaigner
17:12 , Jacob PhillipsResponding to the arrests being made at the protest, Kerry Moscogiuri, of human rights campaign group Amnesty International UK, said: “When the Government is arresting people under terrorism laws for sitting peacefully in protest, something is going very wrong here in the UK.
“It is genuinely shocking to see people being hauled from the streets of London by the police for peacefully holding up signs.
“Let’s be clear, it is disproportionate to the point of absurdity to treat people sitting peacefully in a group holding signs in support of Palestine Action as ‘terrorists’.
“Any restriction on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be lawful, necessary and proportionate to achieving a legitimate aim.
“Criminalising speech in this context is only permitted when it incites violence or advocates hatred. Expressing support for Palestine Action does not, in itself, meet this threshold.”
Footage shows five officers escorting elderly lady from protest
16:52 , Jacob PhillipsFootage shared by Defend Our Juries shows five police officers escorting an elderly woman with a walking stick away from the crowds as protesters clap.
One protester can be heard shouting “that’s an old lady” at the officers.
Alongside the footage, Defend Our Juries said officers had started to arrest protestors under the Terrorism Act for holding signs which say "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action".
Police draw batons during violent clashes in Parliament Square
16:42 , Jacob PhillipsPolice have drawn their batons during violent clashes in Parliament Square.
One protester was seen with blood streaming down his face behind the barrier after being arrested.
Territorial Support Group officers are on the scene, sprinting out from behind the cordon to grab people before pulling them back in.
Meanwhile, protesters have been heard shouting “baby killer” towards officers.
Police arresting people on suspicion of assault at protest
16:32 , Jacob PhillipsScotland Yard has said its officers have been arresting people on suspicion of assault at the Palestine Action protest.
The Met Police said: “Officers continue to make arrests of individuals showing support for the proscribed terrorist organisation Palestine Action at the Defend Our Juries protest.
“There has been a co-ordinated effort to prevent officers carrying out their duties which has included physical and verbal abuse.
“A number of arrests have now been made for assault.”
Met Police continue to drag away protesters
16:30 , Jacob PhillipsThe Met Police continues to drag away and arrest protesters in Parliament Square, our reporter at the scene Georgia Bell explains.
Elderly protesters have been peacefully demonstrating at the scene but holding up signs in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action.
Some activists have faced off with officers banging drums and shouting shame as protesters are put in the back of police vans.
The Met has created chains of officers to push protesters back as the demonstration takes place.
Among those at the demonstration is 84-year-old Fran. She told the Standard: “I’d prefer not to be arrested but if I were to be, it’d be a badge of honour.”
Protester receives hero's reception as he is taken to police van
16:08 , Jacob PhillipsOne protester received a hero’s reception after he was taken away in a police van.
He made a heart gesture with his hands through the window as demonstrators surrounded the vehicle, applauding him.
The protest has taken on an increasingly anti-police tone, with chants referencing former officer and murderer Wayne Couzens.
Tension have been high at a barrier on St Margaret Street, where protesters have thrown plastic bottles at police amid heavy pushing and shoving.
Many demonstrators have climbed traffic lights to avoid the crush or get a better view of the clashes.
Sign holders will be surrounded by a 'witness circle'
15:48 , Charlotte AmbroseDefend Our Juries (DOJ) revealed sign-holders in Parliament Square will be surrounded by a “witness circle” of civil society groups as mass arrests continue to take place.
Representatives from groups including Black Lives Matter UK, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, CAGE International, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network and General Federation of Trade Unions plan to encircle Parliament Square.
A spokesperson from DOJ said: “Up to 100 people from each group will show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to lawfully bear witness to the British state’s violations of international law.”
Police continue wave of arrests
15:44 , Charlotte AmbrosePolice are continuing their wave of arrests, wheeling protesters behind a barrier on St Margaret Street, directly in front of Parliament.
Some of those arrested are going limp, leaving officers to drop them behind the cordon and leave them unattended as they lie on the floor.
Tensions erupt with every person arrested and brought behind the barrier as chants of “Met Police, KKK, IDF are all the same” ring out.
The corner is made up mostly of younger demonstrators, with officers focused on containing confrontations between protesters and police.
Tensions flared earlier after an officer struck a megaphone being held close to his face by a woman, prompting groups to surround him and forcing dozens of colleagues to intervene to break up the confrontation.
Huge number of protestors aged over 60
15:38 , Charlotte AmbroseAt least a quarter of protestors at the Parliament Square protest appear to be over 60 years old.
Defend Our Juries has estimated 1,500 people attended the demonstration.
This comes after half of the protestors arrested during a Palestine Action march on August 9,after being proscribed as a terrorist group, were aged 60 or above, according to Met Police figures.
An age breakdown from the force also showed nearly 100 of the total 532 arrests made were of people in their 70s, while 15 people in their 80s were also detained.
Pictured: "It should not be a crime to hold a sign"
15:33 , Charlotte Ambrose
A protestor has been pictured with a placard reading: “It should not be a crime to hold a sign” amid waves of police arrests of individuals holding signs in support of banned group Palestine Action.
Massive Attack singer 3D joins protest
15:21 , Charlotte AmbroseMassive Attack singer Robert Del Naja, also known as 3D, has joined the Palestine Action protest.
In a video posted to Youtube, he said “I’m here to demand that the government lift the ban on Palestine Action and restore our peaceful right to protest.
“Terror laws are being used to silence those who oppose genocide.
“No one in the government actually believes Palestine Action are a terrorist organisation.
“It’s just a cynical misuse of the law for political ambition.”
Other high profile protestors include actor Alfred Enoch, according to Defend Our Juries.
Family of Holocaust survivor hits out at Israel
15:09 , Charlotte AmbroseFamilies of Holocaust survivors have unfurled a banner in Parliament Square reading: “Holocaust survivor descendants against genocide.”
Among them is London-based professor Anne Karpf, who said: “There are many Jews appalled by this.
“This weaponising of the Holocaust is unacceptable – my mother survived Auschwitz.
“She did not survive to see Israel carrying out genocide.”
Elsewhere in the crowd, some demonstrators are wearing T-shirts featuring the face of musician Bob Vylan, who caused uproar at Glastonbury with chants of “death to the IDF”.
Elsewhere in the square, dozens of doctors in their scrubs have unfurled a banner reading: “Medical duty & terror law.”
The medics also have badges pinned to their scrubs identifying their roles, including doctor, surgeon and physio.
Meanwhile, a barrier has been placed around the statue of suffragette Millicent Garrett Fawcett in Parliament Square.
Police officers standing inside the cordon are filming protesters.
Pictured: Blind wheelchair user Mike Higgins among protestors
15:07 , Charlotte Ambrose
Mike Higgins, 62, who is blind and uses a wheelchair, has returned to the Parliament Square protest after making headlines last month as one of 532 people arrested at a previous demonstration.
Watch: Dramatic scenes as police drag away Palestine Action protestors
15:02 , Charlotte AmbroseHundreds of arrests are estimated to have been made already at the Palestine Action demonstration in Parliament Square.
Anti-abortion group hosts concert next to Palestine Action demonstration
14:56 , Charlotte AmbroseAnti-abortion group, March For Life, is hosting a concert on a stage less than 100 yards from the Palestine Action demonstration.
A four-piece band is playing soul music, its sound clashing with the noise of the protest.
Dozens of Palestine Action demonstrators watched on with puzzled expressions.
Meanwhile, a pro-abortion counter-demonstration has formed, holding signs which read “abortion is healthcare”, “abortion is normal” and “my body my choice”.
Protestor claims "I'm worried I won't be arrested"
14:41 , Georgia Bell.jpg)
Jeremy Watson, 72, sits calmly reading his book, holding a placard while people are being arrested around him.
When asked on his thoughts about being arrested, he said: “I’m more worried that I won’t be arrested.
“I’ve always felt rather ashamed that I have never been arrested for something I believe in.
“I’ve been to Vietnam marches, anti apartheid marches and this is a huge one, genocide in Gaza.
“If you don’t stand up for this, you don’t stand up for anything. I’m very relaxed and very happy to be here.”
Although many protestors are hitting out at the Met with aggressive chants, Mr Watson said: “My feeling is it’s more powerful to be quieter - people are taking notice.
“This is just the way I do it. If people want to do it differently, that’s just fine.”
Majority of protestors demonstrating peacefully
14:32 , Charlotte AmbroseWhile many protestors are peacefully demonstrating, tensions are flaring in Parliament Square as police face angry protestors.
Several demonstrators have fallen over in a crush while water has been thrown at officers.
Meanwhile, eight police vans are parked along Great George Street ready to take away those arrested.
Officers are standing in tight formations as they guard the vehicles.
As you get closer into the crowd, there is a strong Met Police presence - at least 100 officers visible.
Officers stare into the faces of protesters with placards, megaphones leading chants of: “Met Police shame shame, all the crimes in your name”.
Meanwhile, drummers are keeping a loud rhythm as chants continue relentlessly.
Palestinian Coalition march reaches Whitehall
14:09 , Charlotte AmbroseThe Met Police have reported the Palestinian Coalition march has reached Whitehall.
As per their Public Order Act enforcement, the demonstration must conclude by 5.30pm.
Ben Jamal, director of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, earlier told the Standard the march in Whitehall will join the Palestine Action demonstration as “witnesses” to police arrests.
Defend Our Juries claim "state repression has not worked"
14:03 , Charlotte AmbroseAround 1,500 people are currently sitting in Parliament Square, according to Defend Our Juries (DOJ), which said “state repression has not worked” despite the ban on Palestine Action.
The DOJ estimate 700 arrests have been made today alone. However, this figure has not been confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.
Protestors holding signs saying “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action” have vowed to remain in place until they are arrested by police.
The London action is part of what DOJ describes as a “day of defiance” against the ban on Palestine Action, with demonstrations also happening in Edinburgh and Derry.
A spokesperson for DOJ said: “State repression has not worked.
“We can confirm around 1,500 people are currently defying the ban in Parliament Square, with actions about to start in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“This week the International Association Of Genocide Scholars passed a resolution declaring Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide and constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“That is the new home secretary’s dilemma. And one that if she does not solve rapidly, may well lead to her demise.”
Pictured: Activists led away by police officers as people take part in a Lift the Ban on Palestine Action protest
13:54 , Sami Quadri
Protestors continue to hit out at police officers
13:52 , Georgia BellProtesters in a face off with the Met Police are being dispersed in crowd control attempts.
Chants of “Met Police, you can’t hide, you’re complicit in genocide”, “Met Police, shame shame”, “more than 100,000 dead, you’re arresting us instead” and “Met police shame on you, your hands are bloody too” were levelled at officers.
In an effort to disperse the crowds, the Met formed a chain and rammed into crowds, causing panic and yelling amongst protestors.
No one appeared injured and protesters remained in place
Hundreds pictured with signs in support of Palestine Action
13:47 , Charlotte AmbroseHundreds of protestors have been pictured holding signs which read “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”.
Scores of City of London Police have now arrived, significantly increasing the police presence in Parliament Square.
Frantic scenes were unfolding on the western side of the park as people were hauled away, in contrast to the eastern end where protesters were sitting silently with signs.
Protestors scream at Met Police
13:42 , Charlotte AmbroseDozens of protesters have surrounded a small group of officers in Parliament Square.
The police stood expressionless as demonstrators screamed and pointed at them, chanting: “Met Police – pick a side, justice or genocide.”
Tensions were flaring as other officers had screaming arguments with protesters elsewhere in the square, with some demonstrators in tears.
There are still hundreds of protesters holding signs in Parliament Square and it is likely to take police all afternoon to remove every one of them.
Hundreds of protestors pictured
13:39 , Charlotte AmbroseHundreds of protestors have been pictured by the Standard taking action in Parliament Square.
Pictured: Man led away by officers during Palestine Action demonstration in Westminster
13:34 , Charlotte AmbroseThree officers are pictured escorting a man away during the Palestine Action protest
Blind wheelchair user and a priest are among protestors
13:31 , Charlotte AmbroseMike Higgins, 62, who is blind and uses a wheelchair, has returned to the Parliament Square protest after making headlines last month as one of 532 people arrested at a previous demonstration.
He told the PA news agency: “What choice do I have?
“Nothing is being done about the genocide other than by us.
“And I’m a terrorist? That’s the joke of it.
“I’ve already been arrested under the Terrorism Act and I suspect I will be today.
“Of course I’ll keep coming back – what choice do I have?”
Church of England Reverend Sue Parfitt is among over 1,000 estimated protestors taking action today, as reported by Harriet Williamson.
She is pictured holding a “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action sign”, with a crucifix laid over it.
Video shows first arrest
13:25 , Charlotte AmbroseA video showing the first arrest in Parliament Square was posted to X by Vinnie O’Dowd.
Protestors could be heard chanting “shame on you” as the police arrested the individual, carrying him away as he held a sign.
Elderly protestors taken by police
13:19 , Charlotte AmbroseA line of elderly protesters were sitting silently on the edge of Parliament Square behind placards reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”.
Police officers were collecting them one by one.
Chants of “Met Police you can’t hide – you’re supporting genocide” were echoing across the square.
Arrests have begun at the Parliament Square protest
13:13 , Charlotte AmbroseArrests have begun at the Parliament Square protest.
One man was seen being wheeled away by police as the crowd chanted “shame on you”.
Women wearing Palestinian scarves got into a heated argument with police, with one shouting: “Imagine if I pushed you!”
A giant drum could be heard thudding through the square as officers move in.
Protesters were being picked out and taken one by one to the north-west corner of Parliament Square.
Protestors start writing messages on placards
13:05 , Charlotte AmbroseProtestors in Parliament Square have been writing messages on placards as Big Ben struck 1pm.
Protestor says “I’m a respectable 59-year-old grandmother, not a terrorist”
13:03 , Charlotte Ambrose
A protestor currently taking part in the Palestine Action demonstration in Parliament Square has said “I’m a respectable 59-year-old grandmother, not a terrorist,” ahead of her plans to write “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine action” on a cardboard sign.
Marji Mansfield, from Chichester has already been arrested once for showing support for the banned group Palestine Action in July.
She said she was lifted face down by the police during her arrest.
Her bail has been lifted and she is awaiting a court hearing in October.
She said: “This doesn’t feel like Britain. It’s like we are in some mad dystopian authoritarian repressive country where people get lifted by the police for saying the wrong thig and the wrong thing in this case is stop the genocide.”
Mrs Mansfield, a retired financial consultant, travelled two and a half hours from Chichester with her husband to protest in Parliament Square today, noting she bought an open return train ticket in anticipation of facing arrest.
Before taking part in her first ever protest in 2023, Mrs Mansfield signed petitions and wrote to MPs urging the government to take action against Israel for the conflict in Palestine, but said she felt ignored.
She said: “It was better to do something than to be a bystander and say I did nothing.”
Mrs Mansfield added that she is in awe of young people taking action who are risking their jobs, such as teachers and doctors, and students risking their ability to finish their degrees, or access to their rental properties to protest.
Protestor wearing “Plasticine Action” t-shirt in Parliament Square
12:55 , Charlotte Ambrose.jpg)
A protester in Parliament Square is wearing a “Plasticine Action” t-shirt – a satirical play on the banned group which drew headlines last month when another demonstrator was mistakenly arrested for it.
Franco Ferrer, 69, from Llanberis in north Wales, said police had been photographing him since he arrived.
He told PA: “Maybe they can’t read. The T-shirt is an effective way of getting the message across without risking arrest.
“I won’t write a sign because I don’t think I have the courage to do that.
“I’ve come to support the action because the Government banning a protest group by using terror laws is outrageous. It’s silencing free speech.”
Protestors gather in Parliament Square for Palestine Action demonstration
12:47 , Charlotte AmbroseHundreds of protesters have gathered in Parliament Square for a Palestine Action demonstration.
Some are handing out pens ahead of plans to write on boards at 12.50pm.
Many are sitting around the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, with Palestine flags visible across the square.
Organisers expect around 1,000 people to attend.
Palestine Solidarity Campaign confirm they will join Palestine Action demonstration
12:23 , Charlotte AmbroseThe Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) have confirmed they will join the Palestine Action protest once their march from Russell Square to Whitehall has finished.
Director of PSC, Ben Jamal said: “We will be attending when we have finished our demonstration as part of the circle of witnesses to the brutal repression of police arrests of peaceful protestors.”
His response comes as over 1,500 people are expected to hold signs which say “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” in Parliament Square today, signalling their support for the group which is now criminalised under the Terrorism Act.
Mr Jamal also hit out against the Public Order Acts imposed by the Met Police on the PSC march.
He said: “These conditions are not being imposed upon any other major protests movements and this is entirely discriminatory towards supporters of Palestine.”
He also said the police are criminalising people banging pots, drums or pans during the march, as well as targeting individuals who gathered for the protest before 12pm.
He said: “There has not been a moment in British history since the Suffragette movement where such large numbers of people have marched for a cause for such a long period of time.”
The march, which is set to kick off at 1pm, is being held by PSC to urge the government to impose sanctions upon Israel for its violence against Palestinian people.
Mr Jamal added PSC want to send a message of solidarity to Palestinian people and “galvanise people to become involved in campaigns.”
Mr Jamal said he anticipates 300,000 people will join the march today.
First meeting kicks off before Palestine Coalition demonstration
11:34 , Charlotte AmbroseA stewards’ briefing meeting has kicked off 30 minutes before the Palestine Coalition demonstration is set to take place in Russell Square at 12pm.
X account “Stop the War” posted an image of stewards dressed in high vis jackets, with many wearing keffiyeh scarves, traditionally worn by Palestinians, which have become a symbol of solidarity.
Israeli arms manufacturer appears to close after being targeted by Palestine Action
11:23 , Charlotte AmbroseAn Israeli arms manufacturer’s facility in Bristol appears to have closed unexpectedly after being targeted by Palestine Action on multiple occasions.
The Elbit Systems UK site in Bristol, located in the Aztec West business park, appears to have closed unexpectedly four years before its lease was due to end in 2029, according to the Guardian.
Elbit Systems UK is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems – Israel’s largest arms manufacturer.
Since Elbit started its lease in Bristol in 2019, the site has been targeted by Palestine Action on several occasions, with action including smashing windows, occupying the roof and covering the site in red paint.
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries described the potential closure as “momentous”, adding it “shows the effectiveness of Palestine Action's targeted direct action campaign against Elbit Systems, which is precisely why Palestine Action has been proscribed”.
Met Police imposes public order conditions on Palestine Coalition march
11:02 , Charlotte AmbroseThe Metropolitan Police has imposed conditions under the Public Order Act onto a Palestine Coalition march set to take place in London today.
The demonstration is planned to take place at the same time as the Palestine Action protest from 12pm to 4pm.
The Palestine Coalition, which includes the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War and other groups, is set to march from Russell Square to Whitehall via the Strand.
The Met has imposed restrictions over where demonstrators can gather around Russell Square before starting the demonstration, as well as setting out a specified route which must be followed during the demonstration.
Speeches are set to take place in Whitehall and protestors have been ordered to conclude the assembly by 5.30pm.
The demonstration will mark the 30th march the group has organised in London in support of Palestine since the conflict with Israel began.
The Palestine Coalition said they are marching to defend the right to protest and demand the end of all arms sales.
The Met police warned a counter-protest may take place along the route, but said they have been unable to secure confirmation from the likely organisers. The force added they reserve the right to impose conditions on the ground if a protest does take place.
Defend Our Juries accuses government of acting like a “dictatorship”
10:39 , Charlotte AmbroseDefend Our Juries (DOJ) has accused the UK government of acting like a “dictatorship” for its ban on Palestine Action.
In a post on X, DOJ said the ban is an “attack on free speech” and added “this is how dictatorships behave”.
Their claim is in response to over 700 arrests made of Palestine Action supporters in the UK under the Terrorism Act, with many peaceful protestors facing arrest for holding signs which read “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”.
In advance of the protest today, which DOJ expect will draw in over 1,500 supporters, they said “this ban is not enforceable – our movement is too big”.
In response, one X user Fed Pride said: “Palestine Action are saboteurs. They destroyed a UK Air Force plane”.
Defend Our Juries invites new Home Secretary to mass action “welcoming committee” on Parliament Square
09:58 , Charlotte AmbroseDefend Our Juries (DOJ) has written to the new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, inviting her to attend the Palestine Action protest in Parliament Square today.
The organisation wrote a letter to Ms Mahmood this morning, which described the protest as “a welcoming committee” for her, in which over 1,500 people will sit peacefully with signs which read “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
The letter argued Palestine Action is a peaceful protest group and that the decision to arrest demonstrators under the Terrorism Act is “ill-considered”.
UK authorities accused of violating international human rights laws
09:25 , Charlotte AmbroseAmnesty International has accused the UK authorities of violating international human rights laws for arresting peaceful protestors.
After five Defend Our Juries (DOJ) members had their houses raided and were arrested under section 12 of the Terrorism Act on Tuesday, Amnesty International, a charity which campaigns for human rights, accused UK authorities of being willing “to use authoritarian practices to silence dissent”.
Kerry Moscogiuri, director of campaigns and communications at Amnesty International UK, raised her concerns about the arrests and said: “The mass peaceful demonstrations they have organised over recent weeks are protected by international human rights law - and to think they run the risk of being imprisoned for up to 14 years is a terrifying example of the UK authorities' willingness to use authoritarian practices to silence dissent.
“Criminalising speech or protest is only permitted when it incites violence, hatred or discrimination. To be clear: expressing support for Palestine Action does not meet this threshold.
“In fact, arresting and prosecuting people in this context, is a violation of the UK’s obligations under human rights law.
“Amnesty calls for the immediate and unconditional release of these people and yet again implores the government to redirect its energy from criminalising peaceful demonstrators to focusing on taking immediate and unequivocal action to put a stop to Israel’s genocide and ending any risk of UK complicity in it.”
This comes after Amnesty launched its first “Urgent Action” appeal in the UK, sparked by the arrest of over 700 people for showing support of Palestine Action.
Amnesty said it launches “urgent actions” where it deems that there is an “urgent need for intervention” to stop human rights violations or abuses against an individual or group.
Campaign group Defend Our Juries challenges Met Police arrest warnings
08:58 , Charlotte AmbroseCampaign group Defend Our Juries (DOJ) has called upon the head of the Met Police to urge officers not to arrest protestors at the demonstration today.
On Friday the DOJ sent a letter to the head of the Met Polce, Sir Mark Rowley, calling on him to mirror the decision of other forces, including in Edinburgh, Totnes, Derry and Kendall, not to arrest sign-holding protestors.
The letter said: “You do not need to endlessly repeat the embarrassing charade of arresting people who are acting peacefully and lawfully in front of the world’s press, bringing policing into disrepute.
“As the hundreds start to become thousands, maybe it’s time to put a cap on your losses and give your hard-working and overstretched men and women some well-deserved rest?
“No more violations of international law, no more officers wondering how long they can tolerate serving in a force that compels them to carry away elderly, frail vicars into police vans and police cells.”
This comes after over 700 supporters of Palestine Action have been arrested by the Met Police since July.
Could the Palestine Action ban be lifted?
08:50 , Charlotte AmbroseThe Home Office is set to appeal against the High Court ruling to allow Palestine Action co-founder, Huda Ammori, to make a legal challenge against the government over the direct action group’s ban as a terrorist organisation.
Ms Ammori launched legal action against the government following Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to proscribe the group as a terrorist organisation, resulting in membership or support of Palestine Action being classed as a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The case is set to be heard at a three-day hearing in November.
As a result, demonstrators today may be charged with a terrorism offence for showing support of Palestine Action.
What happened at previous protests?
08:44 , Charlotte AmbroseSince Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist group, the Met Police has arrested over 700 protestors for supporting the banned group.
This includes a protest in August which saw 474 arrests made by the Met Police, the highest number of arrests the forced has made in the last decade relating to a single operation.
The average age of those arrested at the protest held on August 9 was 54, while the most arrests were of people aged between 60 and 69.
A group of 47 people were charged with a terror offence for supporting Palestine Action after attending a demonstration on July 19 and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in October.
In total, 114 people have been charged with showing support to Palestine Action in London.
People who show support for Palestine Action ‘will be arrested’, say Met Police
08:30 , Sami QuadriThe Metropolitan Police have warned that more than 1,000 people expected to show support for banned terror group Palestine Action at a protest on Saturday “will be arrested” and that the force has the resources to do so.
Campaign group Defend Our Juries (DOJ) called on the head of the force Sir Mark Rowley to tell his officers not to arrest protesters at the upcoming rally against the ban on Palestine Action.
But as hundreds of people plan to risk being apprehended when they take part in the demonstration in London’s Parliament Square – with more than 1,000 set to sit silently, holding signs saying “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action” – Scotland Yard said people showing support for the group “know their actions are unlawful”.
Outlining the force’s policing plans in the capital this weekend, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “Also on Saturday afternoon, a protest is due to take place in Parliament Square.
“Palestine Action is a group that has been proscribed by the UK Government. It is a criminal offence to be a member of it or to express support for it.
“Those participating in this protest and in previous such protests do so knowing that their actions are unlawful.
“I can be unequivocal, if you show support for Palestine Action – an offence under the Terrorism Act – you will be arrested.
What is Palestine Action and why is it banned?
08:20 , Charlotte AmbrosePalestine Action is a resistance group which holds demonstrations in protest against the UK’s support of the arms industry, which it accuses of being complicit with Israel in facilitating conflict in Palestine.
Palestine Action was banned as a terror organisation in July after the group claimed responsibility for an action in which two Voyager planes were damaged at RAF Brize Norton on June 20.
As a result, it is a criminal offence to be a member of the group or express support of it, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Following the ban, more than 700 people have been arrested by the Metropolitan Police since July.
