London police arrest 139 protesting Palestine Action ban ahead of court appeal
British police arrested at least 139 people on October 31, 2026, at a demonstration outside the US Embassy in London opposing the government's ban on Palestine Action. The group was designated a terrorist organization in July 2025 after activists damaged military aircraft at an air force base. Protesters held signs saying 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.' According to organizers Defend Our Juries, more than 4,000 people have been arrested since the ban for expressing support for the group. The arrests come days before a November 4 Supreme Court hearing on whether Palestine Action's proscription should stand. A High Court ruled the ban unlawful in February, but an appeals court upheld it in June, calling it justified and proportionate. The government argues the ban targets a violent group while protecting peaceful pro-Palestinian protest rights.
Key facts
- 139 people arrested outside US Embassy in London on October 31, 2026 for expressing support for Palestine Action
- More than 4,000 arrests since Palestine Action's ban in July 2025 under the Terrorism Act
- Palestine Action banned after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton and damaged military aircraft with red paint
- UK High Court ruled the ban unlawful in February 2026, but Court of Appeal upheld it in June 2026
- Supreme Court hearing scheduled for November 4-5, 2026 to consider final appeal of the ban
- Maximum prison sentence for supporting or belonging to Palestine Action: 14 years
- Many arrestees were retirees and described as peaceful protesters holding placards
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning sources, including Amnesty International and activist groups, frame the arrests as a crackdown on free speech and peaceful protest. They highlight that arrests occurred for simply holding signs and that over 4,000 people have been detained under terror laws for non-violent vigils. Critics argue the government is using terrorism legislation disproportionately against civil liberties.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning sources, including Breitbart and Jerusalem Post, frame Palestine Action as a 'terror group' that promotes unlawful violence. They emphasize the group's property damage record, including millions of pounds in aircraft vandalism, and note the appeals court's ruling that proscription was 'justified and proportionate' to protect public safety.
Limits of this briefing
Numbers of arrests vary slightly between police updates and activist counts. The latest police figure of 325 people arrested differs from early reports of 139; this reflects ongoing arrests continuing throughout the day. Limited direct commentary from right-leaning outlets on this specific event, though broader perspectives on the ban are documented.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: London police arrest 139 as hundreds protest Palestine Action ban Left
- Breitbart: UK: 325 Arrests at Protest Supporting 'Palestine Action' Terror Group Right
- AP/WFTV: London police arrest 139 people outside US Embassy for supporting banned pro-Palestinian group Centre
- New Arab: UK police arrest Palestine Action supporters ahead of Supreme Court hearing Left
- Jerusalem Post: Ban on British-designated terror org. Palestine Action is lawful, rules UK court of appeal Right