Two demonstrators were arrested in Stroud on Saturday morning after police intervened at a rally held at the John Marjoram Peace Bench at the top of the High Street.
The demonstration, which saw participants sitting on the bench while holding placards reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” drew a significant police presence. Officers issued warnings regarding potential legal action before arresting Martin Large and David Lambert. The two were subsequently taken away in a police van.
The arrests occurred in the context of a wider crackdown on support for the group Palestine Action, which was proscribed by the UK Government under the Terrorism Act 2000 in July 2025. Following the ban, displaying signs expressing support for the group can constitute a criminal offence. Since the legislation came into force, authorities report that over 3,500 people have been arrested nationally for defying the prohibition.
Gloucestershire Police had indicated prior to the event that they were aware of the planned action. A spokesperson stated that officers would monitor the situation to ensure a “proportionate” response, aiming to “prevent disorder, damage and disruption to the local community.” By noon, the demonstration had concluded and all participants and police had vacated the area.
The Stroud action coincided with major pro-Palestine marches in London, where police reported 20 additional arrests, including two individuals accused of displaying placards supporting the proscribed group. Coaches were organized to transport protesters from Gloucestershire to the capital, with pick-up points in both Stroud and Cirencester.
Members of the Stroud Red Band were present at the national demonstration, where a spokesperson cited the death toll in Gaza as the primary motivation for their involvement. “We marched and made music as we processed towards Parliament,” they noted. “More than 75,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed since 2023—this is why we were there.”
The ongoing campaign against the proscription of Palestine Action has drawn significant criticism from civil liberties groups. Amnesty International UK has argued that applying terrorism legislation to the movement is disproportionate and threatens the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and peaceful protest. High-profile figures, including musician Robert Del Naja, have been arrested at similar demonstrations.
The debate surrounding the group gained further traction on Friday night, when former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas made a public call on BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? for the government to reverse the proscription.
The government maintains that the ban is lawful and necessary, citing evidence of serious criminal damage and direct attacks on institutions and businesses linked to the Israeli military. The Court of Appeal upheld the move in June 2026, ruling the government’s actions to be both lawful and proportionate.
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