‘Terrorism Act used’: 466 persons protesting in support of Palestine Action group arrested in London

London police have arrested 466 people during a demonstration in support of the Palestine Action group.

Hundreds gathered in Parliament Square carrying Palestinian flags and placards reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” The rally, organised by Defend Our Juries, also saw participants chanting pro-Palestine slogans.

In a post on X, Defend Our Juries, wrote, “BREAKING: Police confirm 466 people were arrested under the Terrorism Act today. The largest number of arrests in history by the Met police at a single protest, was for people holding signs which say I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”

The protest came a month after the UK government banned Palestine Action.

According to police, 360 people were arrested in Parliament Square under the ban, while another eight were detained for other offences, including five assaults on officers. Authorities had warned in advance that attendees risked arrest.

International organisations and peace activists urged police not to detain demonstrators.

The ban on Palestine Action was announced in June by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper under the 2000 Terrorism Act, following an incident where activists spray-painted planes at a Royal Air Force base—an act being investigated under counter-terrorism laws. The legislation was approved by both Houses of Parliament in July.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk has criticised the ban as a “disturbing misuse” of counter-terrorism laws that could erode fundamental freedoms.