Met police arrest extra protesters demonstrating in opposition to Palestine Action ban – as 254 already face felony fees
Police have started arresting protesters demonstrating against the banning of group Palestine Action.
Protesters gathered in Tavistock Square, central London, and many sat on the grass holding signs which read: ‘I oppose genocide I support Palestine action.’
Many activists were carried out of the square, with one woman’s feet dragging on the ground as two officers carried her away.
Surrounding demonstrators clapped for and thanked those being carried away by police.
The campaign group have vowed there will be civil disobedience across Britain after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced police are to be given greater powers to restrict protests by allowing them to consider the ‘cumulative impact’ of repeated demonstrations.
It comes after on Thursday Another 120 people were charged with supporting the banned ‘terrorist’ group Palestine Action – bringing the total accused up to 254.
The latest suspects were arrested following a protest on Saturday, August 9 where activists swarmed Parliament Square holding placards and flags.
Metropolitan Police officials confirmed they were forced to draw officers from other forces to help form a ‘significant policing presence’ as they faced a busy weekend of demos amidst a number of clashes in the heart of London.
Campaigners at the Defend Our Juries protest in support of Palestine Action at The Peace Garden, Tavistock Square, central London. Picture date: Saturday November 22, 2025
Many protesters were carried out of the square, with one woman’s feet dragging on the ground as two officers carried her away
Police remove people from the Defend Our Juries protest in support of Palestine Action at The Peace Garden, Tavistock Square, central London
Counter terrorism investigators say those charged will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on a series of dates from November 29 to December 9.
They could face a maximum prison sentence of six months or have their record tainted by a terrorism conviction.
In August, more than 500 people held placards in support of the proscribed group.
A wide variety of messages were seen on display with some activists holding signs saying ‘I am on duty to stop genocide’, while others clutched placards that read: ‘Our right to non-violent protest.’
Men and women of different ages were arrested by officers, while witnesses reported scuffles between rival groups.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said at the time: ‘The Met is very experienced at dealing with large-scale protests, including where the protest activity crosses into criminality, requiring arrests.
‘While we will not go into the specific details of our plan, the public can be assured that we will have the resources and processes in place to respond to any eventuality.
‘Anyone showing support for Palestine Action can expect to be arrested. I would once again urge people to consider the seriousness of that outcome.
‘An arrest under the Terrorism Act can have very real long-term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances. Also, as we have seen this week, it is very likely an arrest in these circumstances will lead to a charge.’
Martin Drummond, a 76-year-old retired research scientist from Norwich, was among the demonstrators in Parliament Square.
He said he was prepared to be arrested as he was ‘outraged’ by the restriction on ‘free speech’ created by Palestine Action’s proscription.
Mr Drummond said: ‘I’m here to protect our free speech – it’s absolutely crucial. Our forefathers fought for free speech and I’m bloody well going to defend it.’
Though he added he was ‘unenthusiastic’ about the prospect of being detained by police, saying: ‘I’d like to go home today. I’m not regarding it as a badge of honour. I have never supported anything like this before.’
