Palestine Action: 48 arrested before Supreme Court hearing

London's Metropolitan Police said Saturday it had arrested 48 Palestine Action supporters and was still making arrests during a protest outside the US Embassy, days before the UK Supreme Court hears a challenge to the government's ban on the group.

The force said most arrests were for expressing support for a proscribed organisation. An AFP reporter witnessed officers detaining people shortly after hundreds joined a lunchtime action in the British capital. Supporters of the group also protested in Edinburgh.

The government outlawed Palestine Action under anti-terror laws in July 2025, making membership of or support for the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Police and campaigners say nearly 4,000 people have been arrested for allegedly showing support for the group since the ban.

Co-founder Huda Ammori has challenged the ban, arguing that it was disproportionate and affected human rights. The Supreme Court is due to hold a two-day hearing from November 4, after the Court of Appeal ruled in the government's favour in June.