Dozens Arrested Outside U.S. Embassy in London for Supporting Proscribed Group
Police stated that 48 individuals were arrested, with most charges related to expressing support for Palestine Action, a group outlawed in the U.K.
London police arrested dozens of people outside the U.S. Embassy on Saturday for alleged support of Palestine Action, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom. The Metropolitan Police reported that 48 individuals were taken into custody, with the majority of arrests stemming from accusations of endorsing a proscribed organization.
Protesters held signs that read "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" and chanted "free, free Palestine" as individuals were escorted to police vans. The U.K. government outlawed Palestine Action last year, making membership or support for the group a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Similar demonstrations occurred outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland, where protesters displayed signs supporting Palestine Action. Police Scotland stated that inquiries are ongoing to identify individuals seen displaying support for the proscribed group, and evidence is being reviewed for potential further action.
These protests precede an appeal scheduled for November 4 at the Supreme Court challenging Palestine Action's designation as a terror group. Supporters argue the ban infringes upon freedom of speech. In August, the U.S. government also imposed sanctions on Palestine Action, designating it as a terror group.
Palestine Action, established in 2020, states its objective is to halt U.K. military support for Israel and disrupt what it calls "corporate enablers of the Israeli military-industrial complex." The group accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, an assertion Israel denies. The group has previously claimed responsibility for actions including the 2024 breach of a factory owned by Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems UK and the June 2025 intrusion at a Royal Air Force base where activists damaged tanker planes.