London protest over Palestine Action ban ends with 139 arrests outside US Embassy

On the afternoon of 31 October, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in Nine Elms, south-west London, to oppose the UK government’s ban on Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 139 people were arrested, most of them on suspicion of expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Organised by Defend Our Juries

The demonstration was organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries. Protesters held placards reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”. Police had warned in advance that displaying such placards was an offence; Commander Adam Slonecki, who led the operation, said anyone considered to play a key role in organising, giving instructions or providing logistical support would very likely face arrest. A Section 35 dispersal order was in force in parts of central London from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., allowing officers to order people to leave the area.

Supreme Court challenge next week

Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July 2025, the first direct-action group in British history to receive such a designation. A legal challenge to the ban brought by the group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, is due to be heard by the UK Supreme Court on 4 and 5 November. A parallel demonstration took place outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh on the same day.

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