Police arrest 365 people at protest in support of proscribed group Palestine Action

Police have made 365 arrests in London after crowds turned out for a Palestine Action demonstration - despite the group being banned.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said there were also seven other arrests for offences including five for assaulting officers.

It added: "Fortunately none were seriously injured."

Organisers Defend Our Juries had earlier said up to 700 people were at the event in Parliament Square and claimed police were preparing for the "largest mass arrest in their history".

The group said those arrested included former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg, NHS workers, quakers and a blind wheelchair user.

Earlier this afternoon, the Met said a "significant number of people" were seen "displaying placards expressing support for Palestine Action, which is a proscribed group".

The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, thanked the police for "dealing with the very small number of people whose actions crossed the line into criminality".

She added: "The right to protest is one we protect fiercely but this is very different from displaying support for this one specific and narrow, proscribed organisation.

"Palestine Action was proscribed based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage.

"It also follows an assessment from the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre that the group prepares for terrorism, as well as concerning information referencing plans and ideas for further attacks, the details of which cannot yet be publicly reported due to ongoing legal proceedings.

"Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear - this is not a non-violent organisation. UK national security and public safety must always be our top priority."

But the protests have put a strain on the authorities capacity to cope.

Sky News understands senior leaders in the prison service, known as "Capacity Gold", met today to discuss how to deal the with the large number of arrests in London, as the male prison estate is close to full.

It's understood the prison service moved 800 inmates out of the busiest jails in and around London in anticipation of large protests, which will put put pressure on the system.

Read more:
What does proscribing a group mean?

Legislation to proscribe Palestine Action came into force on 5 July, making it a criminal offence to show support for the organisation, carrying a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Defend Our Juries announced earlier this week the protest would go ahead despite the ban, following several other similar demonstrations since the proscription last month.

On Saturday, a spokesperson for the group said that "Palestine Action and people holding cardboard signs present no danger to the public at large".

Three people have been charged as a result of illegal Palestine Action activity.

Jeremy Shippam, 71, of West Sussex, Judit Murray, also 71, of Surrey, and Fiona Maclean, 53, of Hackney in east London, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 16 September.

Another march organised by the Palestine Coalition, which is a separate group, set off from Russell Square and assembled on Whitehall.

The Met Police said one person had been arrested there for showing a placard in support of the Palestine Action.

Crowds had assembled in Parliament Square by 1pm, with people seen writing "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" on placards.

Many remained silent while others sang pro-Palestine chants.

A Home Office spokesperson said in a previous statement: "The home secretary has been clear that the proscription of Palestine Action is not about Palestine, nor does it affect the freedom to protest on Palestinian rights.

"It only applies to the specific and narrow organisation whose activities do not reflect or represent the thousands of people across the country who continue to exercise their fundamental rights to protest on different issues."

The ban faces a legal challenge in November after the High Court granted a full judicial review to Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori.

(c) Sky News 2025: Police arrest 365 people at protest in support of proscribed group Palestine Action