Downing Street has warned the public not to attend a planned protest in support of the proscribed Palestine Action group, as police confirmed they would arrest anyone suspected of breaching terrorism laws.
The protest, scheduled for this weekend, is being organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries in response to the government’s decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Demonstrators are being encouraged to hold signs reading: “I Oppose Genocide, I Support Palestine Action” a message that has led to arrests at similar events.
Asked whether the government discourages participation, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Any action that is in support of a proscribed group in the UK, of course we do not support.”
The spokesperson added that the group’s proscription had been upheld by the courts and that Palestine Action is not a peaceful or non-violent protest group.
Despite the warning, Defend Our Juries said it expects more than 500 people to take part, although a final decision on whether to proceed will be made on Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police, however, estimate turnout will likely be in the low hundreds.
A police source involved in early planning said: “If they think they can avoid arrest by turning up in large numbers, they’re mistaken. They will be arrested for breaking terrorism laws. However, we have to do it.”
The Met is preparing for a challenging weekend, with several large-scale events scheduled across London, including a separate pro-Palestinian march and expected anti-immigration demonstrations. Police may need to call in officers from other forces if needed.
In similar past situations, including Extinction Rebellion protests and a Whitehall anti-immigration rally, the Met used a tactic of arresting individuals, confirming their identities, then releasing them on bail for later processing.
Defend Our Juries rejected claims that the campaign intends to overwhelm the police or legal system. A spokesperson said the protest was not organised by Palestine Action and that all plans are publicly available online.
“There are serious inaccuracies in their story that are not trying to overwhelm the system. If police use common sense and uphold the right to protest, then nothing needs to be overwhelmed,” the spokeperson said.
The group believes Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley faces a difficult decision. While arrests are likely, they argue it would be a logistical challenge to detain more than 500 people, given the estimated number of available police cells in London.
They also noted that a recent High Court ruling has allowed Palestine Action’s co-founder to challenge the government’s decision to ban the group raising the possibility that mass arrests could lead to costly legal claims against the Met if the ban is overturned.
Other police forces, including those in Derry and Edinburgh, have reportedly chosen not to arrest protesters at similar events. Defend Our Juries said it plans to hold regular demonstrations and that being arrested is increasingly seen among supporters as a badge of honour.
The group has held discussions with MPs about joining the protest, though concerns about potential suspension from Parliament have deterred some.
The Metropolitan Police are expected to continue refining their plans in the lead-up to the protest, balancing the risk of being seen as too aggressive or too lenient depending on how events unfold.
