The Metropolitan Police has said it will resume arresting people for showing support for Palestine Action, despite a High Court ruling that found the government’s ban on the group to be unlawful.
After the ruling, the force initially said it would stop making arrests under the Terrorism Act and instead gather evidence while awaiting further legal developments. That position has now been reversed. Police say that because the government is appealing the decision, the ban remains in force for now and will continue to be enforced.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the court ruling does not yet change the law in practice. He stated that while the High Court found the proscription unlawful, its impact will not take effect until the government’s appeal is decided, which could take months. He added that this means support for Palestine Action remains a criminal offence and that police must enforce the law as it currently stands, not as it might be in the future.
The government’s appeal is set to be heard at the end of April, meaning the group will remain banned until then.
The decision comes amid growing outrage from activists and civil liberties groups who argue that people are being criminalised simply for opposing Israel’s genocide in Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestinians. More than 2,500 people have already been arrested in connection with protests linked to Palestine Action.
One woman was reportedly arrested in London after holding a sign stating that she opposed genocide and supported the group, highlighting concerns about the policing of political speech.
At the same time, several Palestine Action supporters who were imprisoned while awaiting trial have spoken out about what they say was severe mistreatment behind bars. A number of activists went on prolonged hunger strikes in protest, with some refusing food for over two months.
Heba Muraisi, who was on hunger strike for 73 days, said she was denied electrolytes and only given vitamins after 30 days. Qesser Zuhrah, who refused food for 48 days, said she did not receive electrolytes until 20 days into her protest and that they were later withdrawn after she collapsed. Kamran Ahmed, who was on hunger strike for 66 days, said he continues to suffer chest pains and shortness of breath, while others reported ongoing neurological issues.
The activists say they were left traumatised and dehumanised, accusing prison authorities of medical negligence and a failure to provide basic care during life threatening conditions. Lawyers are now being consulted over potential legal action.
The government has denied wrongdoing, claiming that prisoners were monitored by medical professionals and treated in line with existing procedures, including regular health checks and hospital transfers where necessary.
Campaigners say the situation raises serious concerns about the use of terrorism laws against pro Palestine activism and the wider treatment of those who speak out against the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.