London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – More than 1,500 protesters plan to gather in London for Palestine Action, following recent arrests of 66 supporters at mass protests.
As reported by the Independent, over 1,500 people are set to join a London protest backing the banned group Palestine Action.
When and where will the Palestine Action protest take place?
The demonstration is planned at Trafalgar Square this Saturday. It aims to be the largest mass action defying the Palestine Action ban.
Protesters may face arrest while backing Palestine Action, banned by the government as a terrorist group.
The organisation, Defend Our Juries, said the highest number of arrests at a single event was 1,314. This record was set by the Committee of 100 during their 1961 anti-nuclear protest. In 1990, 339 people were arrested in Trafalgar Square amid poll tax protests.
Organisers say about the London protests
A Defend Our Juries spokesperson stated,
“With over 1,500 people already pledging to take part, and hundreds more expected to register by the weekend, this is set to be the biggest mass action yet defying the ban on Palestine Action.”
They said,
“While Keir Starmer ignores the demands of his own party members to recognise Israel’s genocide and take action – including sanctions and a full arms embargo – thousands are stepping up where his government refuses to act.”
The organisers stated,
“This Saturday could soon see the number of arrests nearly double from the current total of 1,600, setting a new record for the largest mass arrest – an extraordinary misuse of counter-terror and policing resources.”
Referring to the arrests, they said,
“If they can’t enforce the ban on their own doorstep, how do they expect to stop the biggest act of mass civil disobedience in Trafalgar Square this weekend?”
A spokesman added,
“It’s nothing short of a scandal that thousands of people are being arrested – from vicars and priests to students and retired healthcare workers – as our fundamental rights to free speech and protest have been stripped away, not to keep us safe, but to protect weapons manufacturers’ interests and enable Israel to continue to slaughter Palestinian people.”
They continued,
“The new home secretary must urgently rethink what has become a poll tax moment for this imploding Labour government. Their own party conference has already been overshadowed by the sight of pensioners and former Labour councillors dragged away by police for peacefully protesting the ban.”
Organisers claimed the government favours corporate profits over protest rights, citing June 3 talks between policing minister Diana Johnson and Allianz UK on protest activity.
How many arrested at the recent Liverpool Labour protest?
Over the past week, 66 people were arrested outside Liverpool’s Labour conference for supporting the banned organisation during Saturday’s demonstration.
Merseyside Police confirmed 64 of the 66 arrested remain in custody, with two released. All detainees, aged between 21 and 83, have now been granted bail.
Merseyside Police added,
“Some of the people in attendance displayed material in support of Palestine Action, who are a proscribed terrorism organisation.”
Last month, nearly 1,500 gathered in Westminster, clashing and chanting “shame on you,” referencing Wayne Couzens. Police used batons amid clashes, leaving one protester with facial injuries while detained.
What did Yvette Cooper say about Palestine Action’s threat?
Palestine Action was proscribed by then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper after a RAF Brize Norton break-in, following advice to ban the group in March.
According to her, the group’s attacks on Elbit Systems UK and other groups linked to Israeli war crimes showed a “long record of unacceptable damage” and risked national security.
Key facts about the Palestine Action
Palestine Action was founded on July 30, 2020, first targeting Elbit Systems’ London HQ. The group aims to end UK support for Israel, calling its actions “apartheid” and “genocide,” using direct action.
It was proscribed as a terrorist organisation on July 5, 2025, under the Terrorism Act 2000. Membership or support for the group carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison.