More than 530 activists were arrested during a large-scale protest in London’s Parliament Square on Saturday, supporting Palestine Action, an organization recently designated as a proscribed group by the UK government.
The Metropolitan Police reported that 532 people were detained in total, with 522 arrests specifically related to displaying placards supporting the banned organization. The remaining 10 arrests included charges for assaulting police officers, racially aggravated public order offenses, and breaching public order conditions.
Protest Details and Police Response
The demonstration began at 1pm on Saturday, with participants sitting silently while holding signs declaring support for Palestine Action. The coordinated nature of the protest appeared designed to challenge law enforcement resources and court capacity.
More than 850 police officers were deployed for the operation, including 120 officers brought in from Wales, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cheshire to support the Metropolitan Police. To manage the large number of arrests, authorities established a temporary processing center on King Charles Street, where detainees had their details recorded and fingerprints taken before being released on bail.
Demographics and Repeat Offenders
The average age of those arrested was 54 years, with the youngest detainee being 17 years old. Police reported that 30 of those arrested had been detained at previous Palestine Action protests in London, though they could not confirm arrests at protests outside the capital.
Financial Impact
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp estimated the total cost of the police operation and subsequent legal proceedings could reach £4 million, factoring in the increased number of arrests. This adds to the more than £53 million the Metropolitan Police has spent policing pro-Palestine demonstrations in central London since the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Legal Context
Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organization following government security assessments. Under current legislation, showing support for the group carries potential prison sentences of up to 14 years.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the proscription was “based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage.”
Ongoing Investigation
Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command will prepare case files for potential charges against those arrested over the coming weeks. The operation represents one of the largest single-day arrest totals for a protest in recent London history.
The protest was organized by Defend Our Juries, which claimed 600-700 people participated by holding the prohibited signs, though police noted that many people in Parliament Square were observers, media, or individuals not carrying placards.
