Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the government’s intention to proscribe Palestine Action under anti-terror legislation. This designation would effectively classify the group as a terrorist organization, criminalizing membership and support.
The decision follows a recent incident where Palestine Action activists allegedly vandalized RAF Brize Norton, spray-painting military aircraft. This action occurred amidst a London protest by the group, resulting in multiple arrests.
Cooper condemned the RAF base incident as a “disgraceful attack,” citing the group’s “long history of unacceptable criminal damage.” She emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting national security and its zero-tolerance policy towards those jeopardizing it. Counter-terrorism police are investigating the Brize Norton incident.
Palestine Action defended its actions, highlighting Britain’s continued military support for Israel despite public condemnation of the Israeli government. The group stated that direct action is necessary when the government fails to uphold its obligations.
The draft order for the ban will be presented to Parliament next week. If approved, membership or support of Palestine Action would become a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.
Cooper clarified that this decision targets Palestine Action specifically, and will not impede lawful protests or organizations advocating for Palestinian rights or criticizing Israeli government actions or UK foreign policy.
Cooper cited over £1 million in damages caused by the group since its 2020 inception, including incidents such as the 2022 intrusion into a Thales defence factory in Glasgow, resulting in approximately £1.1 million in damages, and other incidents involving factories in Kent and Bristol.
Following a police-enforced change of venue from Parliament to Trafalgar Square, hundreds participated in a Palestine Action demonstration, resulting in arrests for obstruction and a racially aggravated public order offence. The Met Police asserted they had the right to impose conditions on the protest.
Criticism of the government’s decision emerged from various quarters. Labour peer Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, while not condoning criminal acts, deemed the proscription excessive. MP Nadia Whittome expressed concern over the precedent this sets, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves condemned Palestine Action’s actions as unacceptable.
Further details on the Glasgow incident can be found here.