By Emeka Blast 
Palestine Action Protests Lead to 70 Arrests Across England and Wales
More than 70 people were arrested across England and Wales on Saturday during protests against the UK government’s designation of Palestine Action as a proscribed terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000. The arrests, which included 42 in central London, 16 in Manchester, and 13 in Cardiff, followed demonstrations where protesters displayed signs reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” defying a ban that makes supporting the group a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
In London, two groups gathered shortly after 1 p.m. beneath the Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela statues in Parliament Square, silently holding cardboard signs written with black markers. The Metropolitan Police, citing the group’s proscribed status, arrested 42 individuals for offenses under the Terrorism Act, including chanting or displaying symbols like signs and logos that express support for Palestine Action. Greater Manchester Police detained 16 people in St Peter’s Square, Manchester, around 2:30 p.m., while South Wales Police arrested 13 in Cardiff’s Central Square for similar violations.
The protests mark the second consecutive weekend of arrests since Palestine Action was banned on July 4, following a failed legal challenge to block the proscription. The government’s decision, announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, came after the group claimed responsibility for damaging two military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton on June 20, causing an estimated £7 million in damage. Cooper condemned the act as “disgraceful,” citing Palestine Action’s history of targeting Israel-linked arms companies with vandalism and criminal damage. The ban places Palestine Action alongside groups like Hamas and al-Qaeda, making membership or public support illegal.
The campaign group Defend Our Juries, which organized the London protest, reported that those arrested included an 83-year-old priest, Rev. Sue Parfitt, an emeritus professor, and health professionals. The group informed the Metropolitan Police in advance, with Parfitt stating, “We are losing our civil liberties; we must stop that for everybody’s sake.” Critics, including UN experts and civil liberties groups, have condemned the ban as “draconian,” arguing that equating property damage with terrorism sets a dangerous precedent and chills free speech. Anas Mustapha of CAGE International called it “carte blanche” for targeting protests.
Public reaction on X has been polarized. @5Pillarsuk reported the arrests, emphasizing the protesters’ message against genocide, while @thetimes noted the defiance of terrorism laws. @MarioNawfal highlighted the £7 million sabotage as the trigger for the ban, sparking debates over whether the proscription oversteps in curbing legitimate protest. Last weekend, 29 people were arrested at a similar London protest and released on bail without charge after 12 hours, according to Defend Our Juries.
The arrests underscore growing tensions over UK policies toward Palestine-related activism, with critics arguing the government is stifling dissent amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Palestine Action has vowed to continue its campaign, while police have warned of further action against any displays of support, raising concerns about the balance between security and freedom of expression.
