Counter-terror cops shut down an online meeting discussing a protest for the proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action ahead of what the Met Police have said is expected to be a ‘busy’ weekend of demonstrations across the capital.
Since July 5, Palestine Action has been a proscribed terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act. However, as many as 500 people are expected to deliberately flout the law on Saturday under the banner of the outlawed group in a protest outside Westminster. More than 200 people have so far been arrested under the Terrorism Act for associations with the group, and a number have been charged.
On Thursday night, a Zoom briefing was organised for people to receive instructions, such as timings and legal advice, for the weekend, but it’s reported that Counter-terrorist police officers were ready and waiting to shut down the feed.
According to the Telegraph, organisers were left without a meeting after Scotland Yard pulled the plug.
A spokesman for Counter Terrorism Policing told the publication: “The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) is a national Counter Terrorism Policing unit based within the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which is dedicated to the assessment of potential online terrorist and extremist material, including such material found online by the public.
“It works with service providers to seek the removal or restriction of such material. If material breaches UK terrorism law, police may also carry out an investigation.
“The CTIRU works closely with a range of technology, social media and online service providers, but we do not comment on specific content or any communication we may have with specific platforms or providers.”
Since the proscription of Palestine Action on July 5, 2025, UK policing has made 221 arrests for suspected offences under the Terrorism Act.
As of August 7, 10 people had been charged, and further investigations were progressing through the criminal justice system. Counterterrorism policing and forces across the country are working across the system to reach effective and appropriate outcomes in these cases.
Senior National Coordinator for Prevent and Pursue at Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said: “In the month since the proscription of Palestine Action came into effect, police forces working with CTP have made a substantial number of arrests.
“Our role is to enforce the law where we suspect offences to have been committed, and we will continue to do so, without fear or favour. 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.
“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.
“As well as robust plans to respond to activity in support of this proscribed group, resources are also in place to investigate offences that may be identified or reported following such events.”
