Palestine Action Ban: What’s Next After Hundreds Arrested?
More than 500 protesters have been detained for supporting the banned group Palestine Action, raising political, legal and public relations stakes as three court battles loom.
Last week’s sit-in protest at Parliament Square drew 522 arrests for alleged support of the newly banned group Palestine Action—more than double all terrorism-related arrests in the UK so far this year. Police say the average age of those detained was 54, including 112 people over 70.
The ban, imposed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has sparked political, PR and legal battles. Organisers are planning another demonstration in September, hoping to force the government to lift the ban by sheer numbers.
The Police and Prosecution Dilemma
With more than 700 people arrested since July, police face a tough choice on how many to charge under terrorism laws for displaying support for Palestine Action. So far, three protesters from the July 5 rally have been charged and will appear in court next month. The director of public prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, sought guidance from the Attorney General’s Office before bringing the charges, raising the prospect of months-long delays in deciding the fate of hundreds more.
Key Legal Test 1: Criminalising Public Support
Solicitor Katie McFadden, who has advised many of the arrested, describes officers as "shocked and horrified" to detain mainly elderly peace campaigners. Conventionally, a conviction could carry up to 14 years, but many protesters appear undeterred by the prospect, viewing the ban as an affront to free speech.
Key Legal Test 2: Elbit Systems Attack
In August 2024, alleged supporters of Palestine Action broke into Elbit Systems UK in Bristol, using a repurposed prison van to smash equipment and injuring a security guard and two officers. Eighteen people deny charges including aggravated burglary and violent disorder. That trial begins in November and was central to the Home Office’s decision to proscribe the group, citing what it described as "millions of pounds of criminal damage."
Key Legal Test 3: High Court Review
This autumn, the High Court will assess whether the ban was a rational and proportionate response to Palestine Action’s activities. Critics argue that non-violent protest has been conflated with terrorism, while the government points to an "underground manual" detailing how to plan break-ins. A ruling in favour of the ban would keep arrests and prosecutions ongoing; if overturned, charges against hundreds could collapse.
Palestine Action’s ban has become a flashpoint, testing the boundaries of protest, public safety and free speech in the UK, as three key trials will shape its future legal status.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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