Full Breakdown
UK Protests Against Proscription of Palestine Action Intensify
11/23/2025, 8:02:07 PM
Overview of Recent Protests
In London, police have arrested at least 137 individuals during a series of protests opposing the government's decision to proscribe the direct-action group Palestine Action. This group, which targets Israeli arms companies, was banned under the U.K.'s anti-terrorism laws in July 2025, a decision that has sparked significant public outcry and demonstrations across the country.
Context of the Proscription
The proscription of Palestine Action, enacted by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, categorizes the group alongside organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda. The ban prohibits membership or support for Palestine Action, making it a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The government's justification for this action stems from alleged attacks on facilities associated with Israeli defense firms, including Elbit Systems, which has faced accusations of complicity in human rights violations.
Recent Arrests and Demonstrations
On November 21, 2025, police arrested at least 47 protesters outside the Ministry of Justice for holding signs that read, “I support Palestine Action.” This followed a rally on November 18, where at least 90 individuals were detained for silently opposing the ban. Among those arrested was Carolyn Gelenter, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, who expressed her concerns about the erosion of democratic rights in the U.K. She stated, “As a Jew, and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I cannot stand by and watch this happening.”
The protests have been organized by Defend Our Juries, a group advocating for the lifting of the ban. They have conducted demonstrations in multiple cities, including Nottingham, Gloucester, and Cardiff, emphasizing their stance against what they describe as authoritarian overreach.
Legal Challenges and Implications
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, is set to challenge the legality of the proscription in a judicial review scheduled for late November. This marks a significant moment in U.K. legal history, as it is the first time a banned organization has been permitted to contest its designation in court. A successful challenge could potentially overturn Cooper’s decision, raising questions about the application of anti-terrorism laws in the context of political activism.
Criticism and International Response
The heavy-handed policing of these protests has drawn criticism from various rights groups and international observers. Many argue that the government's actions are an attempt to suppress dissent and shield Israeli arms manufacturers from public scrutiny. Reports indicate that the U.K. government's response to pro-Palestine protests has garnered condemnation not only domestically but also from activists in other European countries, including Germany.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Stop genocide in Palestine! We call on Keir Starmer to do the right thing. We want this Labour government to do the right thing.” — Protester
- “I thought I’d made my point… but I’m really worried about the erosion of our democratic rights. The right to free speech, peaceful protest and free assembly is all being eroded. As a Jew, and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I cannot stand by and watch this happening.” — Carolyn Gelenter
- “The Terrorism Act is being weaponized to silence the public. We will continue to resist until the ban is lifted,” — Defend Our Juries spokesperson
What's Next
As the legal challenge approaches, the ongoing protests are expected to continue, with activists determined to maintain pressure on the government to reconsider the ban on Palestine Action. The outcome of the judicial review could have significant implications for the future of political protest and free speech in the U.K.
