Met Police Warn: Join Palestine Protest on Saturday and You Could Be Banned from the US or Lose Your Job

As a major pro-Palestine demonstration approaches this weekend, the Metropolitan Police have issued a stark warning to would-be participants: attend, and you may face arrest under anti-terror laws — with potential repercussions that could haunt you for life.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's anticipated Palestine Action rally, Met Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan urged Britons to understand the gravity of being detained under the UK Terrorism Act 2000.

'I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future,' he said in an interview with The Telegraph.

Travel Bans, Job Losses, and Lifelong Consequences

Former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, Lord Carlile, echoed the warning. Even a minor conviction linked to Palestine Action, he said, could disqualify individuals from working in education, policing, or the armed forces — and may permanently restrict international travel.

'Nobody with such a conviction will be allowed to enter the US for a holiday. That can also be the case with other countries,' he said. 'They would have to disclose the conviction. It could ruin a career in teaching, law enforcement or the military.'

He pointed out that roles of importance in the public sector typically require disclosure of past convictions, and even a minor terrorism-related offence could seriously hinder career prospects.

He added that such convictions can have lasting personal consequences, as some regions of work demand complete transparency about one's criminal record.

Status Quo of the UK's View on Palestine Action

Since 'Palestine Action' was proscribed as a terrorist organisation on 5 July 2025, UK police have made 221 arrests under the Terrorism Act. Ten individuals have been charged, and further investigations are ongoing.

Offences include membership, encouraging support, and displaying symbols linked to the group. As part of this, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) and local forces continue to enforce the law impartially.

In a statement, Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans emphasised that the proscription applies specifically to Palestine Action and does not affect lawful protest in support of the Palestinian cause.

'At this time, it remains illegal to be a member of or encourage support for the group Palestine Action. This legislation is specific to that group and does not interfere with the right to protest in support of the Palestinian cause,' Vicki said.

They also added that operational plans are in place to ensure this right can be preserved over the coming days, with protests expected in several major cities, including London.

For context, Palestine Action is a UK-based direct action network known for targeting companies linked to Israel's defence sector, particularly Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer. Formed in 2020, the group engages in occupations, vandalism, and blockades of offices and factories, aiming to disrupt arms production and highlight alleged complicity in human rights abuses against Palestinians.

Amnesty UK Responds: 'Protestors Are Peaceful'

In response to authorities' warning ahead of the protest, Amnesty UK's CEO, Sacha Deshmukh, wrote a letter addressed to Scotland Yard's commissioner, Mark Rowley, criticising the police's handling of demonstrations opposing the proscription of Palestine Action.

He also emphasised that peaceful demonstrations expressing opposition to genocide should be protected under UK and international human rights laws.

'The arrest of otherwise peaceful protesters solely for expressing the statement 'I Oppose Genocide. I Support Palestine Action is a violation of the UK's international obligations to protect the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Further arrests on this basis on 9 August would violate international human rights law,' Sacha said.

He also urged the police to act with restraint, ensuring their actions remain lawful, necessary, and proportionate, emphasising that protests should not be criminalised unless they incite violence or hatred.

In response, Scotland Yard's Assistant Commissioner Pippa Mills emphasised that Met officers will continue to enforce the law regarding Palestine Action, as they have done since its proscription.

'Met officers will exercise their powers in the context of Palestine Action being a proscribed organisation; the conduct of the group having been found to cross the thresholds established in the Terrorism Act 2000, resulting in approval of its proscription by affirmative resolutions of the House of Commons and House of Lords,' Pippa said.

The rally, expected to draw large crowds, underscores mounting public anger over arms trade complicity and calls for justice in Palestine. Activists are urging mass participation, framing the event as a critical moment in the broader campaign for liberation.

A Flashpoint for Protest, Rights, and Reputation

Saturday's rally is expected to draw demonstrators to London and other major cities, reflecting rising public frustration over the UK's arms trade links and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Activists describe the demonstration as a turning point — one that may shape public discourse on human rights, policing, and free speech for years to come.

But the stakes are now higher than ever. For those considering joining, the warning is clear: your decision could have a lasting impact on your future — both personally and professionally.