Full Breakdown
Police Warn of Arrests at Planned London Protest Supporting Palestine Action
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
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Core Event: Demonstration Outside the U.S. Embassy and Threat of Enforcement
Metropolitan Police will be deployed near the U.S. Embassy in London on 31 October for a mass demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries. Police have warned that anyone who displays support for the proscribed group Palestine Action – including holding signs, giving instructions or providing logistical assistance – could be arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000. The protest is described as a “sign-holding action” and is scheduled for a Saturday afternoon, the day before a Supreme Court hearing on the ban.
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Background & Context: Proscription and Legal Challenges
Palestine Action, founded in July 2020, was designated a terrorist organisation by the UK government in July 2025. A Court of Appeal upheld the proscription in June 2026, and the decision will be reviewed by the Supreme Court on 4 and 5 November. Organisers argue the ban infringes freedom of expression; authorities say it targets criminal activity.
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Key Figures & Groups
- Adam Slonecki – Metropolitan Police commander leading the operation.
- Defend Our Juries (DOJ) – Campaign group organising the protest and advising participants on legal risks.
- Palestine Action – Banned activist network whose supporters are the focus of the demonstration.
- U.S. Embassy, London – Target of the protest; officials have warned U.S. citizens to avoid the area.
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Timeline
- July 2025 – Palestine Action proscribed.
- June 2026 – Court of Appeal rules the ban “justified and proportionate.”
- 31 October – Police deployment for the London demonstration.
- 4-5 November – Supreme Court hearing on the proscription.
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Data & Statistics
- Metropolitan Police spent £1.3 million policing six related public-order events in June–July 2026.
- The Independent estimates around 400 supporters will attend the London protest.
- Arrest figures since July 2025 range from 3,300 to 3,850, according to Novara Media and Jpost.
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Official Statements & Responses
Defend Our Juries issued a briefing urging participants to sit on public land, write signs on-site and, if arrested, to “go floppy” to hinder police handling. The group notes that conviction under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 carries a maximum six-month sentence, though organisers expect no custodial terms.
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Criticism & Opposition
Defend Our Juries and allied media have condemned the police stance as “moral bankruptcy,” arguing that extending the ban to individuals providing assistance, such as water to elderly demonstrators, threatens vulnerable participants and suppresses lawful protest.
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Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Arrest figures differ: Jpost cites “more than 3,850” arrests, while Novara Media reports “over 3,300” for the same period.
- Police resource allocation: The Independent notes a £1.3 million cost for six events but provides no breakdown for the upcoming demonstration.
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Verbatim Quote
> “All those intending on coming to this event know that supporting a proscribed organisation is unlawful – they are essentially meeting to purposefully commit a crime.” — Met Commander Adam Slonecki
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What’s Next
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on 4 and 5 November regarding the legality of the Palestine Action proscription. The outcome will affect whether future demonstrations supporting the group remain subject to criminal prosecution.