Protesters supporting the banned group Palestine Action were arrested outside the Labour party conference in Liverpool on September 28, 2025, with around 100 people gathering silently holding signs against genocide and supporting Palestine Action.

Merseyside Police confirmed arrests were made on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organization, with protesters accused of displaying material supporting Palestine Action.

Palestine Action was banned as a terrorist organization in July after claiming responsibility for damaging two Voyager planes at RAF Brize Norton, leading to ongoing protests against this ban.

Kerry Moscogiuri of Amnesty International condemned the arrests as disproportionate, raising concerns over the misuse of broad terrorism laws to silence peaceful protests and warning of human rights violations.

Amnesty International criticized police actions as disproportionate and highlighted the chilling effect on free speech and political activism caused by the arrests.

The classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization is unprecedented for a direct action protest group, with penalties including up to 14 years in prison.

Defend Our Juries, a protest group, accused the Labour Party of breaching international law by banning Palestine Action, claiming it suppresses debate and protest in an authoritarian manner.

The protest included remarks from Keith Hackett, who expressed shame at Labour’s actions and emphasized the importance of direct action in social movements.

The protests highlight ongoing tensions over Israel’s actions, the criminalization of pro-Palestinian activism, and calls for sanctions against Israel, including halting arms flow from the UK.

Nearly 900 people were previously arrested at a large demonstration in Westminster supporting Palestine Action, marking one of Britain’s largest mass arrests.

Since the ban’s enforcement on July 5, over 1,600 people have been arrested and 138 charged for allegedly supporting Palestine Action, with membership and support now criminal offenses under the Terrorism Act.

Tayo Aluko, an actor and writer, condemned the government’s actions as authoritarian, warning it seeks to instill fear and suppress dissent, similar to historical authoritarian regimes.