Concerns raised as terrorism powers set to be used again despite court ruling

THE METROPOLITAN POLICE have been accused of performing a dramatic “U-turn” after confirming they will resume arrests under terrorism legislation linked to protests supporting Palestine Action.

The development follows a ruling by the High Court in February 2026, which found that the proscription of the group was unlawful on human rights grounds. Despite that judgment, officers are now expected to begin making arrests again at upcoming demonstrations.

Campaign group Defend Our Juries claims the move could lead to further mass arrests, including at a planned silent vigil in London’s Trafalgar Square on April 11.

Previous stance reversed

The Met had previously indicated it would pause such arrests following the court ruling, stating in February that focusing on evidence gathering was “the most proportionate approach”.

However, in a revised position issued this week, the force signalled that enforcement action under the Terrorism Act 2000 would resume.

In correspondence seen by campaigners, Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman pointed organisers towards the updated police statement, which effectively confirms the change in approach.

No new legal ruling has been made since February, raising questions from critics about what prompted the shift in policing strategy.

Arrest figures disputed

Defend Our Juries says thousands of people have already been arrested across the UK in recent months for holding placards referencing Palestine Action during protests.

While exact figures remain contested, there have been numerous arrests in London, including Welsh protesters who travelled to attend demonstrations.

Critics argue that the use of terrorism powers against peaceful demonstrators is disproportionate, particularly given the High Court’s earlier findings.

Labour MP Diane Abbott described the situation as “an abuse of power to silence opinions [the police] want to suppress.”

Campaign response

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said the decision to resume arrests showed the force had “lost the plot”, accusing police of attempting to justify earlier actions by changing policy retrospectively.

They added that further arrests would place additional strain on public resources and risk criminalising peaceful protest.

Legal challenge continues

The legal position remains unresolved. The UK Government has already been granted permission to appeal the High Court decision.

That appeal is due to be heard at the Court of Appeal on April 28 and 29.

Until then, the renewed enforcement approach is likely to remain controversial, particularly as further demonstrations are planned in the capital.

Despite the controversy, the Metropolitan Police Service maintains it is enforcing the law as it currently stands while the Government’s appeal is ongoing, insisting officers must act where offences are suspected. However, critics — including Diane Abbott — argue the renewed use of terrorism powers risks criminalising peaceful protest, particularly as demonstrators from across the UK, including Wales, have already been arrested in London in recent months. With the case now heading to the Court of Appeal, the legal uncertainty is set to continue, raising further questions about proportionality, policing tactics, and the balance between public order and civil liberties.

Image:

Police officers arresting a protester at a London demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action (Pic: Chris J Ratcliffe)

COUNCIL plans to build up to 14 homes on the site of a former Pembrokeshire school have been given the go-ahead.

Pembrokeshire County Council, through agent Asbri Planning Ltd, sought outline planning application for the development of up to 14 residential dwellings at the former Hakin Infants School, Picton Road, Hakin, Milford Haven.

Last April planners backed an application by the council to demolish the site ahead of an application for a housing development; works also including the construction of a bat house and ecological enhancement area.

A supporting statement at the time said: “The former school buildings are boarded up, whereas the gardens and play areas have become overgrown. This is one of three schools to close in the last decade within the local area, alongside Hubberston VC School and Hakin Junior School, which have already been demolished.”

A supporting statement accompanying the actual housing application says: “The proposal includes the development of up to 14 residential dwellings on the site of the former Hakin Infant School, Picton Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. The site has capacity to accommodate a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom homes while integrating green infrastructure, open spaces, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).”

The outline scheme is proposing four one-bed flats, six two-bed houses, and four three-bed houses.

“The development will be designed to create a well-connected and attractive place to live, utilising the existing site features and responding to its opportunities and constraints,” the statement says, adding: “The proposal provides an opportunity for the council to deliver sustainable new homes in an accessible location while redeveloping a redundant site.

“The vision for the site is to bring forward a development that provides high-quality, well-designed residential units that reflect the local character of Milford Haven. The project aims to create a balanced development that caters to the needs of the local population while attracting new residents to the area.

“The development will offer a mix of contemporary architecture and sustainable design, ensuring the new homes meet modern living standards while respecting the surrounding environment.”

The application, supported by Milford Haven Town Council, was approved by county planners with a long string of conditions.

A CALL to extend a former Pembrokeshire school used as a community hub has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Brendan Patchall, through agent Kinver Kreations Ltd, sought permission for an extension of Yr Hen Ysgol, Dinas Cross.

The application said of Yr Hen Ysgol: “The Old School (Yr Hen Ysgol) at Dinas Cross Pembrokeshire is the community hub. The venue hosts many events including arts, sports, education, music and hobbies and serves as a warm, safe haven. They are a registered charity, acting as a non-profit-making organisation, run by unpaid volunteers.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Old School has significant historical and community value. The site was originally gifted to the people of Dinas Cross by the Barony of Kemaes (Cemaes) during the 19th Century for the construction of a village school.

“The building is representative of a typical Victorian school structure, constructed of locally sourced rubble stone, much of which has been rendered, beneath pitched slate roofs. Its simple, functional form and modest detailing reflect the vernacular architectural traditions of rural Pembrokeshire during that period.

“The building has been subject to a series of extensions and alterations over time, resulting in an irregular plan form. Notwithstanding these changes, the property retains its historic character and continues to serve the community, now functioning as a community hall.”

It went on to say: “The scale of the extension is considered subservient to the existing building, representing a logical and proportionate addition that does not dominate the host structure. The siting to the rear ensures that the more sensitive public-facing elevations of the building remain largely unaffected.”

It concluded: “The proposed development seeks to extend and enhance an existing community facility at Yr Hen Ysgol, Dinas Cross. The scheme represents a proportionate and well considered addition to the building, which will improve its functionality, accessibility and long-term viability as an important local community asset.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.