Massive Attack frontman Robert Del Naja among 500 arrested at Palestine Action protest

Hundreds of people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square on Saturday to protest the UK government's ban on Palestine Action. Organized by Defend Our Juries, the demonstration aimed to challenge the ban, demand the dropping of charges against those arrested for supporting the group, and protest the Metropolitan Police's policy of arresting Palestine Action supporters. Police began making arrests at the vigil, including escorting an elderly woman away from the scene. Palestine Action, a direct action group seeking to end British complicity in Israel's mistreatment of Palestinians, was proscribed as a terrorist organization by the UK government in July 2025. Protesters believe the ban infringes on free speech and democratic principles.

Arrests were made at a London demonstration organized by Defend Our Juries in support of Palestine Action, following the group's ban being ruled unlawful by the high court. Hundreds of protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square, displaying signs opposing the proscription and supporting Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police stated that showing support for a proscribed organization is an offense under the Terrorism Act and that they would take action where the law is broken. This revised enforcement approach comes after the Home Secretary was granted permission to appeal the high court's decision, which deemed the government's proscription of Palestine Action as "disproportionate and unlawful." The appeal is scheduled to be heard on April 28 and 29.