British police arrested 48 people during a demonstration outside the US Embassy in London on Saturday in support of Palestine Action, a group designated as a terrorist organisation under UK law.
More than 100 demonstrators gathered in the Nine Elms area, with the Metropolitan Police confirming that most arrests were made for allegedly expressing support for a proscribed organisation, according to Sky News.
A separate demonstration was also held outside the US consulate near Holyrood in Edinburgh.
The protests were organised by Defend Our Juries, whose supporters carried placards bearing the message: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Police had warned demonstrators that displaying signs or otherwise expressing support for the banned group could lead to arrest under the Terrorism Act.
Palestine Action was proscribed in June 2025, making expressions of support for the organisation a criminal offence under the relevant legislation.
The demonstrations took place ahead of a Supreme Court appeal scheduled for November 4, which will examine the legality of the government’s decision to ban the group.
The legal dispute has already produced conflicting judgments. In February, the High Court ruled that the proscription was “disproportionate,” but the Court of Appeal subsequently upheld the ban in June.
A Home Office spokesperson defended the designation, saying the Court of Appeal had found that Palestine Action carried out acts of terrorism, celebrated individuals involved in such acts and promoted violence.
The spokesperson maintained that the ban did not restrict lawful demonstrations in support of the Palestinian cause.
The arrests have brought renewed attention to the distinction between lawful political protest and expressions of support for organisations proscribed under British counterterrorism legislation, as the Supreme Court prepares to consider the case.