UK police arrest seven protesters near RAF base used by US

On Saturday, London's Metropolitan Police arrested 86 people at HMP Wormwood Scrubs for aggravated trespass. The protesters were demonstrating in support of a Palestine Action prisoner who is on hunger strike. Police stated the group refused orders to leave the prison grounds, allegedly obstructed staff, threatened officers, and some gained access to a staff entrance. The Ministry of Justice described the escalation of the protest as "deeply concerning," emphasizing that the protesters did not breach security. The arrests followed the group's refusal to disperse and their actions disrupting prison operations.

Protesters supporting a Palestine Action prisoner on hunger strike were arrested outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London on Saturday. The Metropolitan Police detained the group after they allegedly breached prison grounds and refused to leave when ordered. Authorities stated the protesters blocked prison staff, threatened police officers, and some entered a staff entrance area. The arrests were made on suspicion of aggravated trespass. The demonstration was reportedly held in support of Umer Khalid, identified as the last participant in the Prisoners for Palestine hunger strike campaign. Footage shared on social media showed the group chanting and holding signs outside the prison.

On January 25, 2026, eighty-six people were arrested at Wormwood Scrubs prison in London during a protest supporting Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old pro-Palestine activist linked to Palestine Action. Khalid, who is accused of breaking into the UK's largest airbase, has been on hunger strike since November, pausing briefly in December, and recently resumed, refusing all fluids. Protesters allegedly blocked prison staff, threatened police, and entered a staff area, leading to arrests for aggravated trespass. Videos show police shoving and handcuffing protesters, and using kettling tactics. Khalid is being closely monitored by medical staff, according to his mother.

On January 25, 2026, police made mass arrests at a protest outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs in London. The demonstration was held in support of Umer Khalid, a detainee on hunger strike who has now refused water. Khalid is protesting charges related to Palestine Action, a group designated as a 'terrorist' organization by the British government, a label the group disputes. The protest was described as peaceful prior to the arrests. The reason for the arrests was not specified in the article.