Dozens Arrested Across UK in Palestine Action Protests

Nationwide Arrests Mark Day of Protests

Police forces across the United Kingdom carried out multiple arrests on Saturday, November 29, 2025, during a series of coordinated protests organized by the group Defend Our Juries. The demonstrations were held in various cities to oppose the government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. A total of 25 people were arrested in Birmingham alone, with dozens more detained in other locations across the country.

The arrests were primarily made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which makes it an offense to be a member of or express support for a proscribed organization. Protesters were reportedly arrested for carrying placards and displaying materials that showed support for Palestine Action.

Incidents Across Key UK Cities

Beyond Birmingham, where West Midlands Police confirmed the 25 arrests at a protest in Chamberlain Square, similar incidents unfolded:

• In Bristol, 30 people were arrested at College Green on suspicion of terror offenses.
• Norwich saw 10 arrests for suspected terror offenses after individuals allegedly displayed Palestine Action placards at Haymarket.
• In Lancaster, 26 individuals (16 women and 10 men) were arrested outside Lancaster Castle.
• Cambridge also reported 15 arrests at a protest in Market Square.

These recent arrests add to a growing number since Palestine Action's proscription. Earlier in November 2025, 47 people were arrested in London outside the Ministry of Justice on November 21, and further arrests occurred outside the High Court on November 26 during a legal challenge against the ban. Additionally, Counter Terrorism Policing London announced on November 20 that over 100 additional people had been charged in connection with an August 9 protest in Parliament Square, bringing the total charges in London to 254 since July. In Edinburgh, four people have been charged following a protest on November 18.

Context of the Proscription and Legal Ramifications

Palestine Action was officially proscribed as a terrorist group by the UK government in July 2025 under the Terrorism Act 2000. This decision followed a series of direct actions, including vandalism at RAF Brize Norton and other sites linked to Israeli defense companies, which the government stated caused millions of pounds in damage. The proscription places Palestine Action on a list alongside groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, making membership or support a criminal offense.

Critics, including civil liberties groups, have voiced concerns that the ban conflates protest with terrorism and curtails fundamental protest rights. Despite these concerns, authorities maintain that they will 'take appropriate action where people are breaching the law by showing support for proscribed organisations.'

Since the proscription in July, more than 2,000 individuals have been arrested for showing support for Palestine Action across the UK. Defend Our Juries claims a total of 2,717 'Lift the Ban sign-holding arrests' have been made since the ban came into effect.