Met Police warn of arrests at pro-Palestine protest
Organisers Defend Our Juries plan demonstration outside US Embassy in Battersea on Saturday
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The Metropolitan Police has issued a warning that individuals attending or providing support for a planned protest in Battersea could face arrest. The demonstration, organised by Defend Our Juries, is scheduled to begin at 1pm on Saturday 31 October 2026 on public land adjacent to the US Embassy. Organisers anticipate approximately 400 attendees.
Protest aims and police warnings
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Defend Our Juries has organised the event to call for the government to revoke the ban on Palestine Action. The group stated that the proscription represents a significant restriction on the right to protest. Palestine Action was officially proscribed in June 2025 under the Terrorism Act 2000, making membership or providing material support to the group a criminal offence. The Court of Appeal confirmed this decision earlier this year.
Met Commander Adam Slonecki stated that those intending to participate in the demonstration should be aware that supporting a proscribed organisation is unlawful. He indicated that individuals providing logistical support to the event, not just those holding placards, could also be subject to arrest. The police plan to deploy officers in the area as part of a comprehensive policing operation.
Organisers' guidance for attendees
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Defend Our Juries has provided guidance to potential protesters, including advice on signage and how to respond if stopped by police. The group's website has previously highlighted arrests at other demonstrations, noting that over 250 people attended a previous event in Liverpool, where 50 were arrested for supporting Palestine Action.
The protest is set to occur ahead of a forthcoming Supreme Court hearing concerning the ban on Palestine Action.
Questions this report answers
+When and where is the protest planned?
The protest is scheduled to start at 1pm on Saturday 31 October 2026. It will take place on public land outside the US Embassy in Battersea.
+Why is the protest being held?
The demonstration is organised by Defend Our Juries to call for the government to lift the ban on Palestine Action. The group considers the proscription an attack on democratic rights.
+What is the police warning regarding the protest?
The Metropolitan Police has warned that anyone attending the demonstration or providing logistical support to it could face arrest. This is because Palestine Action is a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000.
+What is Palestine Action and why is it proscribed?
Palestine Action is a group that was proscribed in June 2025 under the Terrorism Act 2000. This means that membership in, or providing material support to, the group is a criminal offence. The Court of Appeal upheld this decision.
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