Met Police warn of arrests at pro-Palestine protest

The Metropolitan Police has issued an arrest warning ahead of a planned pro-Palestine protest in Battersea this Saturday. The demonstration is organised by the group Defend Our Juries, which is calling for the government to lift the ban on Palestine Action. The protest is expected to begin at 1pm on Saturday outside the US Embassy in Battersea.

Palestine Action was proscribed in June 2025 under the Terrorism Act 2000. This makes membership in, material support for, or displaying items in support of the group a criminal offence. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision to proscribe the group earlier this year. The Met Police has stated that attendees of the demonstration could face arrest.

Police presence and potential consequences

Officers will be deployed in the vicinity of the US Embassy as part of a policing operation. The force has indicated that not only those holding placards but also individuals playing a key organising role could be considered to be committing an offence and face arrest. It remains unclear how many protesters are expected, although some social media reports suggest hundreds could attend.

Defend Our Juries has described the proscription of Palestine Action as a significant challenge to democratic protest rights. The group's website includes guidance for protesters on signage, placarding, and advice on interacting with police if stopped or arrested. The organisation also provides legal information for demonstrators.

This planned demonstration follows previous protests organised by Defend Our Juries. More than 250 people attended a previous event in Liverpool during the Labour Party conference, where 50 demonstrators were arrested for their support of Palestine Action. Organisers have referenced the arrests of 161 individuals at a prior event for holding paper signs.