The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that 325 people were arrested during a demonstration outside the United States Embassy in London opposing the ban on Palestine Action. The total rose from 48 earlier on Saturday to 139 that evening, before police reported 325 on Sunday 1 November 2026. Of those, 320 were arrested on suspicion of expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act.
Hundreds gather outside US Embassy
The demonstration on Saturday 31 October was organised by Defend Our Juries in Nine Elms, south London. Protesters displayed placards expressing support for Palestine Action and opposition to what they described as genocide in Gaza. Police had warned that expressing support for a proscribed organisation could be a criminal offence.
Why is Palestine Action banned?
Palestine Action was proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 in 2025. The Government says the designation followed an evidence-based assessment and was endorsed by Parliament. The Home Office maintains that lawful protest in support of Palestinians remains permitted; restrictions concern support for the proscribed organisation.
Supreme Court challenge approaches
A Supreme Court hearing concerning the legality of the proscription is scheduled to begin on 4 November 2026. Campaigners argue the ban unduly restricts peaceful expression. The Government defends its decision. The ban remains in force pending any legal change.
Campaigners criticise arrests
Defend Our Juries says more than 4,000 people have been arrested for defying the ban since July 2025. That is the campaign group’s figure, not the Metropolitan Police’s confirmed total for Saturday. Civil liberties campaigners have questioned the proportionality of arrests for displaying placards.
Separate protest in Edinburgh
A related demonstration took place outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh. Police Scotland said it was reviewing evidence relating to displays of support for the proscribed organisation; no arrests were initially reported at that event.
What happens next?
Arrests are not convictions, and the police figures do not establish how many people will ultimately be charged. The Supreme Court proceedings may affect the legal position of the proscription, but their outcome cannot be presumed.