London arrests 474 protesters over new Palestine Action ban

Police in central London arrested 474 protesters on Saturday as supporters of a banned group challenged the new law intended to curb demonstrations.

London arrests climb as Palestine Action ban tested

LONDON has seen a large police operation in central areas as supporters of Palestine Action gathered outside Parliament. British police reported 474 arrests on Saturday for showing support for the banned organization, under a new law that makes public backing of Palestine Action a crime. The protest drew more than 500 participants at one point and continued into the evening, with police and organizers disputing crowd counts and the scope of enforcement. The government argues the ban is a necessary step to curb extremism linked to the Gaza war, while backers say the measure restricts freedom of expression and targets dissent rather than wrongdoing. Earlier this week, Palestine Action faced legal challenges to the ban as supporters prepared to test the law in court. Separately, police noted the event was unusually coordinated to maximize arrests and to stress the justice system, a claim disputed by organizers. The weekend comes amid ongoing protests over Gaza and immigration policy across the United Kingdom, with police preparing for parallel actions outside hotels housing asylum-seekers.

The incident highlights a broader clash between security rules and civil liberties in a highly charged political moment. The law’s critics argue it redefines protest as a form of support for a banned group, potentially chilling legitimate political expression. Supporters counter that the measure overreaches and could set a precedent for restricting dissent. How authorities implement the rule in practice will influence public trust in the justice system, the resonance of future demonstrations, and the government’s ability to manage large crowds without eroding democratic norms. As protests unfold this weekend, the balance between keeping public order and protecting free speech remains the central question driving political debate in Britain.

Highlights

The coming days will reveal how far the government is willing to push limits on protest while balancing public safety.