“Madness can be overcome”: Robert Del Naja releases statement after Palestine Action arrest

Robert Del Naja has released a defiant statement following his arrest at a mass protest in Trafalgar Square, describing the UK’s response to pro-Palestine activism as ​“total madness” and defending his actions as part of a long tradition of civil resistance.

The Massive Attack frontman was among more than 500 people arrested on Saturday, March 12 on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action, a group currently banned under anti-terror legislation. Protesters had gathered in central London to oppose the ongoing war in Gaza and the UK government’s stance on the conflict.

Del Naja, 61, was detained after sitting among demonstrators holding a sign reading: ​“I Oppose Genocide, I Support Palestine Action.” Footage shows him being carried away by police to cheers from the crowd.

In a statement posted to Instagram today, Del Naja criticised both the arrests and the broader political climate, writing: ​“In Britain in 2026 you can be arrested under the Terrorism Act for sitting in silence, holding a cardboard sign stating that you oppose genocide and support non-violent action to prevent it.”

• Read next: Proscription of Palestine Action as terrorist organisation ruled unlawful by High Court

He argues his arrest was part of a wider sense of public disbelief over the genocide in Gaza, accusing the British government and outlets such as the BBC of failing to identify those responsible. ​“It was Israel, and everybody knew it was Israel. Why wouldn’t they say so?” he wrote.

The musician also challenges the classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, arguing that ​“the sheer desperation” of activists targeting military equipment ​“isn’t terrorism. No one actually believes that”.

The current legal status of Palestine Action remains contested. The group was banned in July 2025 under the Terrorism Act 2000, but the decision was ruled unlawful by the High Court earlier this year. The ban, however, remains in place pending appeal, and the Metropolitan Police resumed arrests in March after initially indicating they would hold off enforcement.

More than 2,200 people have been arrested for alleged support of the group since the ban was introduced.

• Read next: New Banksy mural appears to reference Palestine Action arrests

Del Naja also took aim at the UK’s role in the Iraq war, accusing current political leaders of belonging to a “‘war is peace’ ideological party block that ignored millions of peaceful marchers to illegally invade Iraq”.

Despite political consequences for his career – including upcoming tour dates across Europe – Del Naja describes his arrest as a ​“very small price to pay”. 

“Our democracy, and the civil rights and liberties that now sit in constitutional law were literally built on small actions like these,” he continued. ​“Perhaps that’s why this draconian government wants to crush them?”

Massive Attack are scheduled to begin a European tour later this spring, starting in Helsinki in late May.

Ella Glossop is Huck’s social editor. Follow her on Bluesky.

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