London’s Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, expressed “shock and frustration” regarding a planned Monday protest supporting Palestine Action. While affirming the right to protest, he stated that actions in support of the group “go beyond what most would see as legitimate protest.”
This follows reports that the Home Secretary is preparing a parliamentary statement to proscribe Palestine Action, effectively designating it a terrorist organization.
The announcement comes after Palestine Action activists infiltrated RAF Brize Norton, vandalizing two military aircraft with red paint to protest UK support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The London protest, backed by 35 groups including Stop the War Coalition, Cage, and MEND, prompted Sir Mark to label Palestine Action an “organized extremist criminal group.” He clarified that, pending proscription, the Met lacks legal authority to prevent the protest but can impose conditions to mitigate disorder and disruption.
Palestine Action, on social media, countered accusations of terrorism, claiming the government’s actions represent “the worst crimes against humanity.” A group member, Saeed Taji Farouky, described the planned proscription as “absurd,” arguing it undermines British democracy and the rule of law.
Palestine Action, primarily targeting arms companies since the Gaza conflict began, claimed responsibility for a similar incident in Ireland. Farouky stated their actions aim to disrupt the “material supply chain to genocide,” justifying Friday’s escalation as a response to escalating violence in Gaza. Israel denies allegations of genocide.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the Brize Norton incident as “disgraceful,” with counter-terrorism police investigating. The proposed ban on Palestine Action received support from figures like former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, while others, including Labour MP Zarah Sultana, drew parallels to protests against the 2003 Iraq War. Amnesty International UK expressed concern over the use of counter-terrorism powers against protests.
Regular protests in London concerning the Gaza conflict have persisted since Israel’s military operation began on October 7th, 2023, following Hamas’ cross-border attack that resulted in significant casualties and hostage-taking. The Gaza health ministry reports over 55,000 deaths, including over 15,000 children.
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