Police have begun arresting demonstrators in Parliament Square voicing support for the banned organisation Palestine Action. Despite warnings from the Metropolitan Police, demonstrators filled Parliament Square, many seated on the grass holding or making placards reading: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

A post by the Metropolitan Police said: “Within this crowd a significant number of people are displaying placards expressing support for Palestine Action, which is a proscribed group.Officers have moved in and are making arrests.” Organisers from Defend Our Juries had pledged earlier in the week that the demonstration would go ahead, anticipating over 500 participants. The ban, enacted last month by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper under the Terrorism Act 2000, makes it a criminal offence to be a member of or show support for Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. 

The decision followed advice from the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre, which concluded that the group prepares for terrorism and has committed violent acts causing injury and extensive damage.

The Home Office insists the ban targets only the organisation, not broader pro-Palestinian activism.

Police brought in officers from outside London to bolster a “significant policing presence” for a weekend of heightened tensions, which also includes two major marches — one organised by the Palestine Coalition, the other by pro-Israeli group Stop the Hate — as well as the Community Shield match at Wembley.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan warned that anyone visibly supporting Palestine Action could expect arrest, with long-term consequences for travel, employment, and finances.

Today’s demonstration saw some counter-protesters holding signs critical of Palestine Action, including one accusing the group of “terrorising Britain.” They were escorted away by police. Elsewhere, clusters of protesters without placards gathered around the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans.

Since the ban, more than 200 arrests have been made at similar protests nationwide. This week, three people — Jeremy Shippam, 71, Judit Murray, 71, and Fiona Maclean, 53 — became the first charged under the new law.