Scores of activists in the UK, including many elderly individuals, are facing police raids after posting videos inviting support for the banned group Palestine Action.

Scores of activists across the UK are facing potential dawn raids by counterterrorism police after publicly inviting support for the banned group Palestine Action. Since the government proscribed the organization in July 2025, over 3,000 people have been arrested under the Terrorism Act. The current wave of police activity follows a call from the group Defend Our Juries for an escalation in activism, leading many to post videos declaring their support for the banned organization.

Escalation of Activism and Legal Risks

Following a June Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the ban on Palestine Action, the group Defend Our Juries called for supporters to move beyond simple expressions of support and actively invite others to join the cause. This shift carries significant legal risk, as inviting support can be prosecuted under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act, which carries a potential 14-year prison sentence. Most arrests to date have been made under the lesser Section 13 charge.

Police Raids and Activist Experiences

Approximately 100 people responded to the call by uploading videos stating their support for Palestine Action. Since then, 19 individuals—many of whom are retired—have been subjected to raids by counterterrorism police in regions including London, the West Midlands, Somerset, Wales, Cornwall, and Scotland. Activists reported that police searched their homes, seized personal devices, and confiscated items such as Palestinian flags. Some individuals reported being handcuffed during these encounters.