UK police arrest Palestine Action protesters in Liverpool
Demonstrators challenge Britain’s terrorism ban and demand an end to UK arms supplies supporting Israel’s assault on Palestinians
LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (MNTV) — British police arrested protesters in Liverpool as hundreds gathered near the Labour Party conference to oppose the government’s ban on Palestine Action and demand an end to British military support for Israel.
According to Al Jazeera, the arrests took place during a demonstration organized near the conference venue, where protesters were defending their right to express support for Palestine Action despite its designation as a terrorist organization under UK law.
Demonstrators held signs declaring support for Palestine Action and opposing what they described as genocide in Gaza. Police moved against protesters, including an elderly man sitting beneath a tree, before making further arrests over signs supporting the banned group.
The confrontation has intensified criticism of Britain’s approach to political dissent over Israel’s war in Gaza. Rights campaigners argue that the government’s use of terrorism legislation against people displaying political messages represents a serious restriction on freedom of expression.
Palestine Action was proscribed by the British government in July 2025, making support for the organization a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act.
Before the Liverpool demonstration that more than 3,600 people had since been arrested for showing support for the group.
The group’s supporters say its campaign seeks to challenge British involvement in Israel’s military-industrial supply chain, particularly through actions targeting weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems. P
rotesters in Liverpool also called on the British government to stop supplying arms to Israel and take stronger measures over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The arrests came as Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced his first Labour Party conference as prime minister, placing the government’s Palestine policy under renewed scrutiny.
Activists have demanded that Burnham reverse the ban and halt prosecutions of people arrested for publicly supporting Palestine Action.
The government’s position has drawn particular criticism because Labour has simultaneously announced sanctions targeting Israeli settlements and settler violence while continuing to face demands to suspend arms supplies to Israel.
Activists argue that such measures fall far short of addressing Britain’s broader military and political relationship with Israel.
The Liverpool arrests also followed the detention of Massive Attack singer Robert Del Naja, who was arrested after displaying a sign reading that he opposed genocide and supported Palestine Action.
His detention further highlighted the increasingly severe consequences faced by British citizens publicly challenging the government’s policy toward Palestine.
For protesters, the issue extends beyond Palestine Action itself. They argue that Britain cannot claim to oppose abuses in Gaza while prosecuting people who publicly challenge British military support for Israel.
The demonstrations therefore represent a wider confrontation over civil liberties, Britain’s foreign policy and its relationship with Israel.
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