London Police Detain Dozens After Palestine Action Terror Ban Takes Effect

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Updated Jul 6, 2025, 12:03 PM

London’s Metropolitan Police arrested more than 20 people in Parliament Square on Saturday after a government order proscribing the direct-action group Palestine Action came into force at midnight. Officers said the individuals were held on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 for publicly supporting the newly banned organisation during a silent protest beneath the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Those detained, reported by some outlets to number up to 29, include 83-year-old retired priest Sue Parfitt. Police warned ahead of the demonstration that displaying placards, chanting slogans or otherwise expressing approval for the proscribed group could incur penalties of up to 14 years in prison. All suspects were taken into custody for questioning and no injuries were reported.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the proscription last month after Palestine Action activists entered RAF Brize Norton on 20 June and sprayed two Voyager transport aircraft with red paint, causing damage the Ministry of Defence estimated at about £7 million. Parliament approved the ban on 3 July and the Court of Appeal rejected an eleventh-hour challenge late on 4 July, clearing the way for it to take effect.

Supporters of the group say its campaign of property damage against companies linked to Israel is non-violent and accuse the government of criminalising protest. Civil-liberties organisations and some UN experts have also criticised the move, while Cooper maintains that “violence and criminal damage have no place in legitimate protest.” Police said further arrests could follow as the investigation continues.

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#London #Metropolitan Police #Parliament Square #Palestine Action #Terrorism Act 2000 #Mahatma Gandhi #Sue Parfitt #Yvette Cooper #RAF Brize Norton #Voyager #Ministry of Defence #Parliament #Court of Appeal #Israel #UN #Cooper

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The arrest of over 27 people came just after midnight on Saturday, as a government order to label Palestine Action a terrorist group took legal effect. Supporting or joining the group now carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison