By Salma El-Sakka
Dozens of people were arrested on Saturday, 31 October 2026, during a protest outside the U.S. Embassy in London in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Police Statement and Arrest Details
Police said 48 people had been arrested, with the majority detained for expressing support for a proscribed organization. Officers remained at the scene and continued making arrests throughout the day.
Protest Details and Vigil in Edinburgh
More than 100 demonstrators participated, many holding signs reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” Protesters chanted “free, free Palestine” as individuals were led to police vans. A similar vigil was held outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland, where no arrests were reported.
Legal Context and Government Actions
The U.K. government outlawed Palestine Action last year as a terrorist organization, making membership or support punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The U.S. government imposed sanctions on the group in August, also designating it as a terror group. The protests preceded a Supreme Court appeal scheduled for November 4 challenging the designation.
Group Background and Previous Actions
Founded in 2020, Palestine Action aims to halt U.K. military support for Israel, accusing Israel of genocide — a charge Israel strongly denies. The group says it targets “corporate enablers of the Israeli military-industrial complex.” In 2024, activists broke into a factory owned by Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems UK, destroying equipment. In June 2025, activists entered a Royal Air Force base, sprayed red paint into the engines of two tanker planes, and caused further damage.
