UK Protests Erupt Over Palestine Action Ban: Arrests Made as Tensions Rise

By Mr TPM | July 13, 2025 | London

London – Widespread protests broke out across several UK cities over the weekend after the government announced the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000. The decision, which sparked immediate backlash from civil rights groups and pro-Palestinian activists, led to the arrest of over 70 demonstrators, including students, environmentalists, and community organizers.

The protests, centered in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, were largely peaceful but turned tense in areas where demonstrators clashed with police forces. The situation has drawn intense scrutiny both within the UK and internationally, as debates intensify over civil liberties, anti-terrorism laws, and freedom of protest.

Why Was Palestine Action Banned?

The UK Home Office officially added Palestine Action to its list of proscribed organizations on July 11, citing the group’s “campaign of serious criminal damage, intimidation, and disruption aimed at undermining UK-Israel trade relations.”

Palestine Action is known for its direct-action tactics, including occupying factories, defacing buildings, and disrupting supply chains tied to Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems, which has several facilities in the UK.

In a statement, Home Secretary James Cleverly said:

“We will not tolerate actions that cross the line from protest into coordinated, politically motivated violence. Proscribing Palestine Action sends a clear message: the UK will stand against terrorism in all its forms.”

Under the proscription, membership, support, or public expression of support for Palestine Action is now a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Public Outrage and Civil Liberties Concerns

Civil rights organizations such as Liberty, Amnesty International UK, and Netpol (Network for Police Monitoring) condemned the move, calling it a "dangerous overreach" and an attempt to criminalize dissent.

“This is not about terrorism — it’s about silencing political activism,” said Martha Simmons, legal director of Liberty. “The UK is rapidly closing the space for peaceful protest and civil resistance.”

Protesters on the ground echoed those sentiments, holding placards that read “Dissent is not Terrorism” and “Free Speech Under Attack.” At least 15 demonstrations took place nationwide over the weekend, drawing thousands of supporters from diverse communities.

Police Response and Arrests

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 38 people were arrested in London alone, primarily under public order offenses and newly enforced provisions under the Terrorism Act. Police deployed additional units in central London, especially near Whitehall and Parliament Square, where the largest rally took place on Saturday.

Scuffles broke out in Trafalgar Square when officers attempted to break up a sit-in, leading to multiple arrests and allegations of heavy-handed policing. Eyewitnesses reported the use of batons and kettling tactics.

“We came here peacefully, to express our disagreement with a draconian law,” said Yasmin Ahmed, a university student who attended the protest in Birmingham. “Now they treat us like criminals for raising our voices.”

The Home Office defended the policing strategy, stating that enforcement was “proportionate and necessary” in light of national security concerns.

A Divided Parliament

The proscription of Palestine Action has also sparked debate in Parliament. While the ruling Conservative Party supported the move unanimously, citing national security, several MPs from Labour, the Green Party, and the Liberal Democrats raised concerns about free speech and due process.

Zarah Sultana, Labour MP for Coventry South, stated:

“The criminalization of Palestine Action reflects a broader pattern of silencing pro-Palestinian voices. Peaceful protest is the bedrock of democracy — not a threat to it.”

A petition calling for a reversal of the proscription has garnered over 100,000 signatures within 48 hours, potentially triggering a parliamentary debate in the coming weeks.

International Reaction

The situation has drawn attention globally, especially in the Middle East. Palestinian leaders criticized the UK decision, calling it “a clear act of political repression.” In contrast, Israeli officials welcomed the proscription, calling it a “bold and necessary step” against what they describe as “radical anti-Israel agitation.”

Human rights observers from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) have asked for clarification from the UK government on how the decision aligns with its obligations under international human rights law.

What's Next?

With legal challenges expected, civil society organizations are preparing to file lawsuits against the Home Office, arguing that the proscription lacks transparency and fails to meet the threshold for terrorism as defined under international law.

Meanwhile, organizers from dissolved Palestine Action cells have vowed to continue their activism through other means, emphasizing that the struggle for Palestinian rights cannot be outlawed.

As protests continue and legal battles loom, the UK's decision may prove to be a landmark moment in the ongoing tension between state security and civil liberties, especially in the age of heightened global activism.