Met Police to arrest Palestine Action supporters at Westminster protest

Anyone expressing support for Palestine Action outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 July 2026 will be arrested, the Metropolitan Police has warned. Officers will enforce the Terrorism Act, which made support for the group a criminal offence after its proscription in June 2025.

The warning follows an announcement by Defend Our Juries, which called for a mass show of support for Palestine Action. The group has previously organised events where participants displayed placards or made statements in support of the group, leading to thousands of arrests.

No hearings scheduled for protest day

The protest was originally planned to coincide with court proceedings for those previously arrested. However, the Metropolitan Police confirmed no relevant hearings are scheduled for 30 July 2026. The court cases are currently adjourned.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said the decision to proceed with the protest was "nonsensical" given the lack of related court activity. He urged potential participants to reconsider, stating that lawful ways to express views on the humanitarian situation in Gaza exist without breaking the law.

Valentine added that the protest would disrupt court staff, victims, witnesses and local residents. It would also divert police resources from other areas of London, affecting communities across the city.

Police powers extended to remove face coverings

To support the policing operation, officers have been granted Section 60AA powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. This allows them to require the removal of face coverings in the designated area around Westminster Magistrates’ Court between 08:00 and 20:00 on 30 July 2026.

The Metropolitan Police stated that anyone professing membership of Palestine Action, expressing support for the group, or providing logistical support, such as erecting stages or sound equipment, would likely be committing an offence.

What happens next

The Metropolitan Police will deploy officers to the area around Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 July 2026. Arrests are expected for those expressing support for Palestine Action. The force has not specified how many officers will be present or whether additional resources will be drawn from other boroughs.

Defend Our Juries has not publicly responded to the police warning. It is unclear whether the group will proceed with the protest as planned or alter its approach in light of the Met’s statement.