London Police Plan Mass Arrests at US Embassy Rally
Officers will detain anyone attending or organizing a demonstration for Palestine Action on Saturday.
By William Turner ·
London Metropolitan Police stated on Friday that they will arrest everyone attending or organizing a protest supporting Palestine Action near the US Embassy on Saturday, October 31. The force described the plan as a robust policing operation.
The announcement follows the activist group Defend Our Juries announcing plans for a mass show of support. Under UK law, expressing support for Palestine Action is an offense because the group was proscribed under the Terrorism Act in June 2025. The Court of Appeal upheld that decision in June 2026.
Commander Adam Slonecki, who is leading the operation, said attendees know that supporting a proscribed organization is unlawful. He characterized the gathering as people meeting to purposefully commit a crime. Slonecki noted that this approach is not about preventing people from expressing views, but about acting robustly when criminality is involved.
Police will deploy officers in the vicinity of the embassy. Slonecki warned that arrest is expected for those holding placards. He also said officers will likely take enforcement action against anyone they consider to be playing a key role in organizing the event, giving instructions to others, or providing logistical support.
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement on October 30 to confirm the arrest plans. The protest is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, in the area surrounding the US Embassy.
