Opinion
26 Mar 26

Metropolitan Police reverse stance: Arrests for Palestine Action support to resume despite court ruling

Following a High Court ruling in February, the Met Police briefly eased arrests, stating they would refrain from detaining supporters. The Met has since reviewed their position.

The Metropolitan Police in London has announced it will resume arresting individuals for showing support for Palestine Action, a reversal of a temporary halt put in place after a High Court ruling declared the group's ban unlawful.

In June, the UK's Labour-led government proscribed Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation, placing it in the same category as groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. This made membership in or public support a criminal offence.

In February, the High Court ruled the government's designation of Palestine Action as a "terror group" was unlawful and disproportionate. Following the ruling, the Met Police briefly eased arrests, stating they would refrain from detaining supporters, though they would gather evidence for potential future prosecutions.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman stated that the Met has reviewed its position.

“While the high court has found the proscription of Palestine Action to be unlawful, it has confirmed the impact of that judgment will not take effect until the government’s appeal has been considered, which could take many months,” said Harman. “That means it is still a criminal offence to support Palestine Action. We must enforce the law as it is at the time, not as it might be at a future date. We must do that consistently and without fear or favour.”

The appeal is scheduled to be heard on April 28 and 29.

Thousands of peaceful protesters holding placards have been arrested previously for alleged support of Palestine Action.

On Thursday, several Palestine Action-affiliated activists, released on bail last month, held a press conference detailing the lasting effects of a lengthy prison hunger strike on their health. Protesters described suffering from trauma, chest pains, shortness of breath, and neurological issues. They are consulting lawyers about taking legal action against prison authorities for alleged medical negligence, claiming they were not properly provided for during the strike.