British police briefly detained Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg during a pro-Palestinian protest in central London, sparking renewed debate over freedom of expression, protest rights, and the UK government’s stance on Palestine Action.

The arrest took place on December 23, 2025, during a demonstration in London’s financial district targeting a company linked to Israeli arms manufacturing. Thunberg was later released on bail, with conditions extending until March 2026.

Arrest Outside Insurance Firm Linked to Israeli Arms Maker

According to campaign group Defend Our Juries, Greta Thunberg was arrested while attending a “Prisoners for Palestine” protest outside the offices of Aspen Insurance in the Square Mile. Aspen Insurance is reported to provide coverage for Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer and a key supplier to the Israeli military.

The City of London Police confirmed that a 22-year-old woman—matching Thunberg’s description—was arrested for displaying a placard allegedly expressing support for Palestine Action, a group the UK government has proscribed as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Later the same day, police announced that Thunberg had been released on bail pending further proceedings, scheduled for March 2026.

Placard and Protest Message

Video footage shared by Defend Our Juries shows Thunberg holding a sign that read:

“I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.”

Thunberg has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war on Gaza, which she has repeatedly described as a genocide. She has also participated in international flotilla campaigns aimed at challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Defend Our Juries stated that Thunberg arrived after the protest had already begun and was not involved in any property damage.

Solidarity With Palestine Action Prisoners

The protest was organised in solidarity with five Palestine Action activists currently on hunger strike in UK prisons. The activists are demanding action against Elbit Systems’ UK operations, including the closure of its factories.

Palestine Action has carried out direct actions against Elbit-linked facilities in recent years, including a protest at a site in Bristol. The group argues that companies connected to Israeli arms production are complicit in violations of international law.

Additional Arrests and Property Damage

Two other protesters—a man and a woman—were also arrested during the demonstration. Police stated that the individuals had attached themselves to nearby structures and were involved in damaging a building on Fenchurch Street, where Aspen Insurance is located.

Defend Our Juries acknowledged the damage, explaining that activists used symbolic red paint to represent bloodshed, deploying re-purposed fire extinguishers before securing themselves to the building’s entrance. The group said the aim was to disrupt business operations and draw attention to Aspen Insurance’s alleged role in enabling Israeli military activity.

Criticism of UK Government Response

Defend Our Juries criticised the UK government, claiming that senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, have refused to engage with legal representatives or families of the hunger-striking prisoners.

Earlier in the week, Thunberg shared a message on Instagram expressing solidarity with the hunger strikers, urging the British state to intervene and resolve the situation through dialogue rather than criminalisation.

A spokesperson for Palestine Action questioned the legal basis of Thunberg’s arrest, suggesting it reflected confusion or overreach in how police interpret the group’s proscription.

Growing Debate Over Protest Rights in the UK

The detention of Greta Thunberg has intensified debate over civil liberties, protest policing, and the UK’s terrorism laws, particularly as they relate to expressions of solidarity with Palestine. Human rights advocates argue that the broad application of counter-terrorism legislation risks criminalising peaceful protest and political speech.

As the situation develops, Thunberg’s arrest is likely to draw further international attention to the UK’s handling of pro-Palestinian activism and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.