British police have arrested 325 people following a demonstration in support of Palestine Action outside the United States Embassy in London, as opposition to the group’s proscription under anti-terrorism legislation continues.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Sunday, November 1, that the arrests were made during Saturday’s protest in Nine Elms, south-west London. The force said 320 people were detained on suspicion of expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the embassy, holding placards with messages including “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”. Some protesters were carried away by officers after refusing to walk, while others chanted in support of Palestine and the group.
The demonstration was organised by campaign group Defend Our Juries ahead of a two-day Supreme Court hearing scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 4. The hearing will consider an appeal challenging the UK government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.
The group was banned in July 2025 after activists broke into the Royal Air Force’s Brize Norton base and damaged two military aircraft. Under the Terrorism Act, membership of or support for a proscribed organisation can attract a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
The ban has faced legal challenges. The High Court ruled against the proscription in February, describing it as disproportionate, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision in June, allowing the ban to remain in force pending further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, a separate demonstration took place outside the US consulate in Edinburgh on Saturday. Police Scotland said no arrests were made at the gathering but confirmed that officers were reviewing evidence involving protesters displaying banners and clothing supporting the proscribed organisation.
The latest arrests have renewed debate over the balance between national security laws and freedom of expression, with campaigners arguing that the ban restricts peaceful protest. The Supreme Court hearing is expected to bring further scrutiny to the legality of the government’s decision.