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UK Police Arrest Over 20 Supporters of Now Banned pro-Palestine Group
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on July 5, 2025
3 min readLast updated: January 23, 2026
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UK police arrested over 20 people for supporting the banned Palestine Action group in London. The group's proscription followed anti-terrorism laws after protests against Israel-linked entities.
Over 20 Arrested in London for Supporting Banned Pro-Palestine Group
By Muvija M
LONDON (Reuters) -British police arrested over 20 people on suspicion of terrorism offences after they showed support for the newly banned Palestine Action group in London on Saturday, hours after the proscription came into effect.
The government moved to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws last month after its activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged two planes in protest against what the group said was Britain's support for Israel.
Late on Friday, the campaign lost an urgent appeal against the parliamentary vote to proscribe it as a terrorist organisation, with the ban coming into force from midnight.
Under UK laws, offences include inviting support, expressing approval, or displaying symbols of a banned group and are punishable by up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine. Britain has proscribed 81 groups under anti-terrorism laws, including Hamas, al-Qaeda and ISIS.
On Saturday, supporters gathered in Parliament Square in Westminster, some holding placards that said "I OPPOSE GENOCIDE. I SUPPORT PALESTINE ACTION." Sky News footage showed some being led away in handcuffs from a statue of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in the square, as they shouted their support.
United Nations experts have accused Israel of carrying out "genocidal acts" against Palestinians in the conflict in Gaza, which began after Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has repeatedly dismissed such accusations.
PRIDE PARADE PROTEST
Palestine Action has targeted Israel-linked companies in Britain in its protests, with interior minister Yvette Cooper saying that violence and criminal damage have no place in legitimate protest and that the group's activities justify proscription.
Critics of the decision, including some United Nations experts and civil liberties groups, have argued that damaging property does not amount to terrorism.
At another protest on Saturday, five pro-Palestinian activists from the Youth Demand group were arrested after they threw red paint over U.S. company Cisco's truck, which was participating in London's Pride parade, and glued themselves to the vehicle. The parade, which celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities, has since resumed, a separate police statement said.
"Young people will not accept ... crimes against humanity," Youth Demand's statement - which did not mention Palestine Action - said. It added that its activists targeted Cisco's float as the company supplies "technology that is helping Israel."
Cisco did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside of business hours.
(Reporting by Muvija M; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Key Takeaways
- •Over 20 people arrested in London for supporting banned Palestine Action.
- •Palestine Action banned under UK anti-terrorism laws.
- •Supporters gathered in Parliament Square, leading to arrests.
- •Critics argue property damage isn't terrorism.
- •Youth Demand activists arrested at Pride parade protest.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK police arrest over 20 supporters of now banned pro-Palestine group
1Why were over 20 people arrested in London?
British police arrested over 20 people on suspicion of terrorism offences after they showed support for the newly banned Palestine Action group.
2What actions led to the banning of Palestine Action?
The government moved to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws after its activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged two planes.
3What are the potential penalties for supporting a banned group in the UK?
Under UK laws, offences include inviting support or displaying symbols of a banned group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine.
4What was the public's reaction to the arrests?
Supporters gathered in Parliament Square, holding placards opposing the ban, while critics argue that damaging property does not equate to terrorism.
5What did the Youth Demand group do during the protests?
At another protest, five pro-Palestinian activists from the Youth Demand group were arrested after throwing red paint over a truck belonging to U.S. company Cisco.