British police have arrested over 80 individuals across the UK for supporting Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian protest group banned earlier this month under anti-terrorism laws. On Saturday alone, at least 41 people were detained in London, with 16 others arrested in Manchester. The arrests came after protesters gathered to demonstrate their support for the group, which was classified as a terrorist organisation by British lawmakers.
The protests occurred near significant locations, including a demonstration in London outside the statue of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Many protesters carried placards reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” echoing concerns about the ongoing Gaza conflict. The group’s ban follows an incident where some members broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged planes to protest Britain’s support for Israel.
Police confirmed the arrests, stating that 41 people were detained for supporting a proscribed organisation, with one person arrested for common assault. The protests in London and other cities across the UK follow similar events held last week, where 29 people were arrested for showing support for Palestine Action. Demonstrations also took place in Wales and Northern Ireland, highlighting the widespread opposition to the ban.
Palestine Action had previously focused on direct action protests targeting Israeli businesses in Britain, including the defence company Elbit Systems. Activists would often spray red paint, block entrances, or cause damage to equipment, drawing attention to what they described as Britain’s complicity in Israel’s actions against Palestinians. Critics argue that the ban is disproportionate, given the group’s tactics of damaging property rather than harming people.
The UK government’s decision to place Palestine Action in the same category as groups like Hamas and al-Qaeda means that anyone associated with the group could face up to 14 years in prison. However, opponents of the ban argue that it is an overreach, using anti-terrorism laws against a group whose actions have primarily involved property damage.
In response, Palestine Action mounted an unsuccessful appeal against the ban, with its lawyer arguing that this was the first time Britain had classified a group focused on direct action as a terrorist organisation. Despite the controversy, the UK government stands by its decision, asserting that the ban is necessary for national security.