Several arrested outside US Embassy in London for supporting pro-Palestinian group

At least 48 people were arrested during a protest outside the US Embassy in London on Saturday in support of Palestine Action, a group banned by the UK government as a terrorist organisation.London's Metropolitan Police said most of the arrests were related to people expressing support for a proscribed organisation.“Officers remain at the scene and are continuing to make arrests," the police said in a statement, the Associared Press reported.More than 100 people took part in the demonstration, with several holding placards reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” Some protesters applauded and chanted “free, free Palestine” as those arrested were taken to police vans.A separate vigil in support of Palestine Action was held outside the US Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland. Demonstrators carried placards similar to those seen in London.No arrests were reported in Edinburgh. However, Police Scotland said it was investigating to identify people seen wearing T-shirts and holding banners expressing support for the proscribed organisation.“Evidence is being reviewed and further action will be taken as appropriate," Police Scotland said.The protests came ahead of a November 4 hearing at the Supreme Court in an appeal against the UK government's decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation.Supporters of the group have criticised the ban as draconian, arguing that it violates freedom of speech. Under UK law, membership in or support for a proscribed organisation is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.In August, the US government also announced sanctions against Palestine Action, designating it as a terrorist group.What is Palestine Action?Founded in 2020, Palestine Action aims to end UK military support for Israel. The group says it seeks "to stop genocide by disrupting corporate enablers of the Israeli military-industrial complex". Israel strongly denies accusations that it is committing genocide against Palestinians.The group has carried out direct-action protests targeting companies and facilities linked to Israel's defence industry.In 2024, its activists broke into a factory owned by Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems UK and damaged equipment using sledgehammers and crowbars.In June 2025, activists broke into a Royal Air Force base, sprayed red paint into the engines of two tanker aircraft and caused further damage with crowbars.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.