Demonstrators rally in support of banned group Palestine Action outside Edinburgh’s UK Government building despite Terrorism Act warnings.
18:37, 06 Sep 2025Updated 18:38, 06 Sep 2025
Counter protestors hold flags and banners during an anti-migrant protest(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Protesters have defied police warnings by holding up signs in support of the banned group Palestine Action outside Edinburgh’s main UK Government building.
Demonstrators carried placards reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action“, as they staged a sit-down protest on Saturday.
Police Scotland had warned that showing support for the organisation is a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act.
The demonstration follows the UK Government’s decision in July to proscribe Palestine Action, meaning membership or support carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
Ahead of Saturday’s protest, Police Scotland vowed it would enforce the law in a “proportionate way”.
People take part in a demonstration organised by Defend Our Juries in support of Palestinian people in Gaza outside Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government building in Edinburgh(Image: Ewan Bootman/Anadolu via Getty Images))
A spokesperson for the force said: “We know there are strong feelings towards the situation in Palestine and people continue to express their views about that through protest and demonstrations without breaking counter-terrorism laws.
“The key difference is showing support for Palestine Action Group as it is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 to be a member of a proscribed organisation or to invite or express support for them.”
As the demonstration took place, anti-immigration campaigners also staged a separate protest in the capital.
Among the Union flags at that event, outside the Scottish Parliament, was one emblazoned with the words “Stop the Boats”.
However, the campaign group Stand Up to Racism Scotland said that there were three times as many people at the counter protest it arranged.