THOUSANDS of people are expected to demonstrate against the ban on Palestine Action in central London on Saturday despite police lifting their pause on arresting the sit-down sign-holders.

Protest group Defend Our Juries said the demonstration is to show resistance to the ban, which was ruled unlawful by the High Court in February, “is stronger than ever.” 

The 60-minute action will see protesters sit silently holding banners reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action” in Trafalgar Square from 1pm.

Last month, the Metropolitan Police announced officers would resume arresting suspected Palestine Action supporters, after the High Court ruled the ban unlawful by allowing it to continue pending the outcome of an appeal by the Home Office.

A Defend Our Juries spokesperson said: “The protest against the proscription of Palestine Action has grown beyond a question of the right to protest. 

“The actions of the UK government and police following the High Court’s ruling expose what many have long known: democracy in the UK is on its knees. 

“The government’s refusal to accept the judgment of the country’s highest court, coupled with inconsistent and opaque policing decisions, signals a troubling disregard for the rule of law. 

“These are not the actions of institutions committed to protecting citizens, but of a state prioritising its own authority.”

They added: “This campaign now extends far beyond Palestine Action, beyond Gaza, and beyond the principles of protest and free speech. 

“It speaks to a fundamental erosion of the right to dissent and to hold power to account. This is no longer a marginal issue – it concerns everyone who values democratic freedoms.”

Met Commander Claire Smart, who is leading policing operations in London this weekend, said: “We are preparing for another busy weekend where we anticipate policing a large-scale event that is expected to involve criminal offences.”

Seven people were arrested on suspicion of supporting the banned group at an RAF base in Suffolk on Sunday during protests against the Iran war.

The trials of hundreds of people accused of holding up the placards have been put on hold while the High Court battle over the ban continues.

Proscription makes it a criminal offence to belong to or support Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.