London Police Arrest 48 at Embassy Protest

Metropolitan Police said 48 people were detained Saturday during a demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy in London, with the majority of arrests tied to people expressing support for Palestine Action, a group banned in Britain. "Officers remain at the scene and are continuing to make arrests," the force said in a statement.

More than 100 people attended the protest, police said. Many carried signs reading: "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." As attendees were led to police vans, others applauded and chanted "free, free Palestine."

The U.K. government classified Palestine Action as a terrorist organization last year. Under that designation, membership in or support for the group carries a prison term of up to 14 years. A parallel vigil took place at the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland, where placards similar to those in London were displayed. Police Scotland reported no arrests there but said inquiries into people wearing T-shirts and holding banners showing support for a proscribed organization were continuing. "Evidence is being reviewed and further action will be taken as appropriate," the force said.

The demonstrations precede a Nov. 4 hearing at the Supreme Court on an appeal against the group's terror designation. Backers of the group characterize the ban as a restriction on free speech.

The United States announced sanctions against Palestine Action in August, designating it a terror group. Founded in 2020, the organization works to end U.K. military support for Israel and says it targets corporate suppliers of the Israeli defense sector. In 2024, its members entered a factory owned by Elbit Systems UK and damaged equipment with sledgehammers and crowbars. In June 2025, activists entered a Royal Air Force base, poured red paint into two tanker plane engines and caused further damage using crowbars.