Police arrested more than 60 people across Britain on Saturday for suspected terrorism offences after pro-Palestine protesters displayed support for Palestine Action, a group the government proscribed in July.
West Midlands Police made 25 arrests in Birmingham's Chamberlain Square during a demonstration organized by Defend Our Juries. Greater Manchester Police arrested 28 people at a protest in St Peter's Square. Norfolk Constabulary detained ten individuals in Norwich city centre. South Wales Police carried away at least one protester near Cardiff Central Station.
Police made the arrests under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which makes it an offence to express support for proscribed organisations. The government banned Palestine Action as a terrorist group following a security breach at RAF Brize Norton and plane vandalism that ministers say caused millions of pounds in damage.
Chief Inspector James Littlehales from West Midlands Police said: "We fully recognise people's right to demonstrate peacefully, and many people continue to protest in support of Palestine without breaking the law. But we will take appropriate action where people are breaching the law by showing support for proscribed organisations."
Manchester and Norwich operations
In Manchester, around 200 protesters gathered at St Peter's Square outside the Town Hall around 1pm. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed: "At around 1pm this afternoon (Saturday 29 November 2025) we responded to a protest taking place in St Peter's Square. 28 people have so far been arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000. Our policing operation will continue as we look to minimise any disruption caused to the wider community."
Witnesses reported hearing shouts of "we love you" and "shame on you" as officers led arrested individuals away from the scene.
Norfolk Constabulary responded to a demonstration at Haymarket in Norwich city centre at 12:30pm. Superintendent Terry Lordan stated: "As we have seen throughout the summer, officers will always work to protect the democratic right to assembly and facilitate peaceful protest. Our role as a police force is to prevent disorder, damage and disruption in the local community. Today, this involved arresting individuals who were committing offences under the Terrorism Act. [...]"
London march draws estimated 100,000
Separately, the Palestine Coalition organized a large march in central London from Green Park to Whitehall. Organizers estimated attendance at 100,000 people. The Metropolitan Police made one arrest for affray and detained four people on suspicion of Public Order Act offences.
The demonstration coincided with the UN's International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Protesters chanted "From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever" and "Israel is a terrorist state." Some demonstrators set off green and red fireworks as they walked down Piccadilly.
Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy addressed the London crowd, stating: "We're here because we know that even as political leaders congratulate themselves on this so-called ceasefire, the genocide in Gaza continues in real time." She added: "A ceasefire in name only is not a ceasefire, it's a political risk management exercise. [...]"
Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, told demonstrators they would continue marching until a "free and independent Palestine" is achieved.
Legal challenge underway
Defend Our Juries organized demonstrations in ten British towns and cities on Saturday to protest what it called the government's "complicity in genocide and against the ban on Palestine Action."
Lawyers representing Huda Ammori, Palestine Action's co-founder, are pursuing a judicial review at the High Court seeking to overturn the proscription. The case is currently part way through proceedings.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
