"Police Clamp Down on Palestine Protesters, Arresting Over 150 Outside UK Parliament"

Police Make Mass Arrests at Palestine Action Rally Outside UK Parliament At least 425 protesters were arrested during violent clashes between police and demonstrators outside the UK Parliament in London on September 6, 2025, as part of a rally calling on the British government to lift its ban on the Palestine Action group under anti-terrorism laws. The arrests occurred despite an estimated 1,500 people participating in the demonstration, according to Defend Our Juries, the campaign group that organized the event. The clashes between police and protesters resulted in several injuries, with some demonstrators reporting being thrown to the ground and arrested for holding signs opposing genocide and supporting Palestine Action. According to eyewitnesses, police used batons to disperse the crowd, leading to a chaotic scene outside Parliament Square. The rally was part of a larger campaign by Defend Our Juries to challenge the British government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws. The group argues that the ban is an attempt to silence dissenting voices and suppress free speech. "We will not be silenced," said a spokesperson for Defend Our Juries, who wished to remain anonymous. "The government's actions are an affront to democracy and human rights." According to Al Jazeera, the police made over 425 arrests during the rally, with many more protesters facing charges under anti-terrorism laws. The exact number of injuries is still unknown, but eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and violence outside Parliament Square. The British government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action has been met with widespread criticism from human rights groups and activists. "This ban is an attempt to silence dissenting voices and suppress free speech," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. "We urge the government to reconsider its decision and respect the right to peaceful protest." As the situation continues to unfold, Defend Our Juries has vowed to continue their campaign, calling on supporters to join them in demanding that the government lift its ban on Palestine Action. The group has also announced plans to hold further rallies and demonstrations outside Parliament Square in the coming weeks. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Service said: "We understand that the arrests have caused concern among protesters and the wider community. However, our primary responsibility is to maintain public safety and ensure that protests are conducted peacefully." The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the British government and pro-Palestinian activists, who argue that their right to free speech and peaceful protest is being eroded by anti-terrorism laws. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing demands for change. Sources: Al Jazeera: "Police make mass arrests at Palestine Action rally outside UK Parliament" Defend Our Juries: Statement on the ban of Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws Amnesty International: Statement on the British government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action This story was compiled from reports by Al Jazeera and Al Jazeera.