Police Prepare for Mass Arrests at planned Palestine Action Protest, Amidst Rising UK Demonstrations
London, UK – August 4, 2025 – British police are warning of potential mass detentions if a planned protest supporting Palestine Action goes ahead this Saturday.The demonstration is organized in response to the recent government ban of the group, designated under terrorism legislation, following activist actions that resulted in £7 million in damage to aircraft at RAF Brize Norton. Together, authorities are bracing for further unrest linked to anti-migrant demonstrations targeting hotels housing asylum seekers across the UK.The planned protest, organized by the advocacy group Defend Our Juries, has garnered commitments from over 500 individuals who intend to display signs stating “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” Defend Our Juries confirmed the event will proceed after reaching a pre-steadfast level of participant commitment.
The ban on Palestine Action, enacted by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, stems from actions taken by the group which police characterized as causing notable property damage. More than 200 individuals have already been arrested in connection with activities related to the proscription.The location of Saturday’s protest remains undisclosed.
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries, Tim Crosland, defended the inclusion of Moazzam Begg, a former detainee at Guantanamo Bay and current director of the advocacy organization Cage, in a scheduled press conference. crosland acknowledged potential concerns regarding Cage’s past statements, but emphasized the importance of building relationships with Muslim communities, stating Begg’s experiences and viewpoint on terrorism laws are valuable.
Cage previously suggested that Mohammed Emwazi, known as “Jihadi John,” may have been partially radicalized due to interactions with British intelligence services.
also slated to speak at the press conference is Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine action, who is currently pursuing a legal challenge against the Home Secretary’s decision to ban the organization.
Beyond the Palestine Action protest, police are preparing for a week of heightened tensions. At least four anti-migrant protests are planned in cities including Bournemouth, Southampton, and Portsmouth, following weekend clashes. Far-right groups are also organizing demonstrations outside at least eight hotels housing asylum seekers on Friday,declaring it a “no asylum day” of action.
The Ministry of Justice has indicated that existing protocols for managing capacity pressures within the prison system, utilized during previous unrest, are in place to ensure stability and public safety. The Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to arresting anyone found to be in violation of terrorism laws. Downing Street has urged the public to refrain from participating in any protests.
