Central London witnessed clashes between protesters and police on Monday, June 23, 2025, during a demonstration in support of the group Palestine Action. The rally, held in Trafalgar Square, occurred as the UK Government initiated steps to proscribe the controversial organisation, potentially making membership and support illegal.
Prompting the confrontation, the crowd surged towards police officers attempting to detain an individual. Witnesses reported protesters chanting “let them go” as tensions escalated. The demonstration, which resulted in the blockage of a road at one corner of the iconic square, drew significant attention.
Protest Relocation and Official Concerns
The protest was originally slated to take place outside the Houses of Parliament. However, it was relocated to Trafalgar Square after the Metropolitan Police implemented an exclusion zone early Monday morning around the parliamentary estate. This pre-emptive measure aimed to manage potential disruption associated with the planned demonstration.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley voiced strong concerns regarding the protest plans. He publicly stated he was “shocked” by the proposed demonstration and controversially labeled Palestine Action an “organised extremist criminal group.” This categorization underscores the serious view law enforcement and government authorities are taking towards the group’s activities.
Government Moves to Ban Palestine Action
The clashes in Trafalgar Square unfolded concurrently with a significant government action targeting Palestine Action. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper formally announced her decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. This move is a major step towards dismantling the organisation’s operations within the United Kingdom.
The Home Secretary is scheduled to present a proscription order to Parliament next week. For the ban to come into effect, the order must be approved by both Members of Parliament (MPs) and peers in the House of Lords. If endorsed, the proscription would render membership of Palestine Action illegal, along with providing support for its activities, potentially including fundraising or other forms of assistance.
Background of the Proscription
The decision to proscribe Palestine Action follows a series of high-profile and often disruptive actions attributed to the group. The Home Secretary is expected to provide Parliament with an update specifically addressing the group’s alleged vandalism of two planes located at an RAF base, an incident that has drawn considerable government attention and contributed to the push for proscription.
Palestine Action has publicly claimed responsibility for various direct actions targeting companies and institutions it accuses of being involved in the defence and technology sectors connected to Israel. Recent actions highlighted include spraying the London offices of Allianz Insurance with red paint and vandalising Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland.
Legal Implications of Proscription
Proscription is a significant legal tool used by the UK government to ban organisations deemed to be involved in terrorism. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, 81 organisations had been proscribed prior to the proposed ban on Palestine Action. These groups include notorious entities such as Hamas and al Qaida, illustrating the grave nature of being added to this list.
If Palestine Action is successfully proscribed by Parliament, individuals found to be members or providing support could face criminal charges, including imprisonment. The measure aims to curtail the group’s ability to operate, fundraise, and recruit within the UK.
Demonstration Details
The rally in Trafalgar Square on Monday, June 23, 2025, was officially scheduled to run from midday to 3pm. Despite the relocation from Parliament Square and the subsequent clashes, a contingent of protesters remained in Trafalgar Square throughout the planned duration.
The events underscore the escalating tensions between the UK government and activist groups employing direct action tactics, particularly those related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The potential proscription of Palestine Action represents a hardening stance by authorities and sets a precedent for how such activism may be treated under counter-terrorism legislation in the future.
