Police have made multiple arrests across the United Kingdom as activists gathered to protest the government's ban on Palestine Action, with demonstrations taking place in numerous towns and cities.
Nationwide Demonstrations Spark Arrests
Nottingham saw the largest number of arrests with 28 people taken into custody on suspicion of terrorism offences. The protest outside Central Library featured activists holding placards stating "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" and "Paint is not terrorism" before police intervention.
Protesters received applause from onlookers as officers began removing them approximately 40 minutes after the demonstration began at 1pm. Many participants refused to cooperate with police requests to disperse, instead sitting or lying on the ground before being carried to waiting police vans.
Nottinghamshire Police had previously warned that the law "will be enforced" if offences occurred during the protest. Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin confirmed that officers identified evidence of offences being committed and took "positive action."
Mixed Police Response Across UK
While Nottingham and Newcastle saw significant police action resulting in arrests, other locations experienced different responses. In Edinburgh, dozens of activists gathered in the rain outside Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government's Scottish hub, without any immediate arrests.
However, activists noted that Police Scotland has previously made arrests in the days and weeks following similar demonstrations. The Edinburgh protest lasted approximately one hour with participants holding signs opposing genocide and supporting Palestine Action.
Northumbria Police confirmed 12 arrests following the demonstration in Newcastle, while activists reported additional arrests in Truro where protesters held signs near the cathedral. The police response appeared inconsistent, with Truro officers having previously chosen not to arrest people for displaying similar signage.
Legal Background and Future Protests
The controversy stems from the government's decision to ban Palestine Action on July 5, making membership or support for the direct action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The ban followed alleged attacks on an Israel-based defence firm's UK site and two planes at RAF Brize Norton.
Defend Our Juries is coordinating demonstrations in 18 towns and cities between November 18 and 29. Further protests are scheduled for London on November 20, 22, 24 and 26, with additional demonstrations planned for Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter, Cambridge, Sheffield, Lancaster, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff on November 29.
Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori is pursuing legal action against former home secretary Yvette Cooper's decision to proscribe the group under anti-terrorism legislation. A court hearing is expected in late November to address the legal challenge.
Police forces across the UK have emphasised their commitment to facilitating peaceful protest while maintaining that supporting a proscribed organisation remains a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act 2000.
