He was detained under the Terrorism Act 2000 for allegedly supporting a proscribed organization, with police confirming his arrest and ongoing investigations.

Palestine Action was outlawed as a terrorist group by UK authorities in July 2025 after acts of vandalism at an RAF base.

Renowned UK screenwriter Paul Laverty was arrested in Edinburgh on August 25, 2025, during a protest supporting Palestine, where he wore a T-shirt referencing Palestine Action.

The UK government banned Palestine Action in July 2025 following acts of vandalism at an RAF base, and since then, over 700 people have been arrested across the UK for supporting the group, with ongoing protests planned, including a demonstration in London on September 6.

Laverty was wearing a T-shirt with the slogan 'Genocide in Palestine, time to take action,' which indicated his support for Palestine Action.

Laverty was protesting outside St Leonard’s police station to support Moira McFarlane, who was charged under the Terrorist Act for wearing a similar T-shirt.

Since the ban on Palestine Action came into force, hundreds of arrests have been made related to protests referencing the group, following a high court judge’s refusal to suspend the ban during a judicial review.

Paul Laverty is a renowned screenwriter known for collaborations with Ken Loach, including award-winning films like 'I, Daniel Blake' and 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley,' both of which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.