UK Government too Ban Palestine Action, Sparking Protests and Condemnation
London, UK – August 10, 2025 – In a move sparking immediate protests and widespread condemnation from academics and human rights groups, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation. The ban follows a June incident where activists breached security at a military airbase, damaging aircraft allegedly used to support Israeli military operations. Demonstrations took place in London on Saturday, resulting in arrests that have drawn criticism from Amnesty International UK and Labor MP John McDonnell.
Background: Palestine action and Escalating Direct Action
Palestine Action is a direct-action group that has gained prominence through disruptive protests targeting companies and infrastructure it alleges are complicit in Israeli actions in Gaza. Sence October 2023, when Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza following the Hamas attack, the group has intensified its activities, frequently employing tactics such as spraying red paint to symbolize bloodshed, blocking entrances, and causing damage to property. The groupS core argument centers on the UK government’s alleged complicity in what they describe as Israeli war crimes, citing the ongoing bombardment and blockade of Gaza which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, according to reports from international organizations.
The decision to proscribe Palestine Action marks a important escalation in the UK government’s response to pro-Palestinian activism. Proscription under the Terrorism Act 2006 carries severe consequences,including jail time for membership or support of the banned organization.The Brize Norton Incident and Government Justification
The immediate catalyst for the ban was a June 20th breach of security at RAF Brize Norton, a key military airbase in Oxfordshire. Palestine Action activists reportedly damaged two Airbus Voyager aircraft used for air-to-air refuelling. According to Manaal siddiqui, a spokesperson for Palestine Action, these aircraft are utilized to refuel Israeli fighter jets. The group further alleges that planes from Brize Norton regularly transport personnel and equipment to a British Air Force base in Cyprus, which then serves as a hub for intelligence gathering shared with the Israeli government.
The government has not publicly released a detailed justification for the proscription beyond citing the damage to military assets and concerns about national security. However, sources within the Home Office indicate the decision was also influenced by a perceived escalation in the group’s rhetoric and a broader concern about the potential for further disruptive actions.
Widespread Condemnation and concerns over Freedom of Expression
The impending ban has been met with strong opposition from a coalition of academics, legal experts, and human rights organizations. A letter signed by over 365 individuals, including prominent Israeli historian Ilan Pappe (University of Exeter), Goldsmiths professor Eyal Weizman, and political theorists Michael hardt and Jaqueline Rose, expresses “deep concern” over the “repressive consequences” of the ban. The signatories specifically highlight the potential impact on academic freedom and university campuses, where Palestine Action has a significant presence.
Amnesty International UK has condemned the arrests made during Saturday’s protest in London, where one individual was arrested for displaying a banner supporting Palestine Action. The organization argues that the arrests represent a violation of the UK’s international obligations to protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
John McDonnell, a Labour MP, echoed these concerns, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the arrests where “a disgrace” and an infringement on democratic rights.
Recent protests and Arrests
Saturday’s protest,organized by the Palestine Coalition,saw a march from Russell Square to Whitehall. According to the Metropolitan Police, one person was arrested for displaying a pro-Palestine action banner. However, a post from the account @DefendourJuries on X claims that over 365 people were arrested under the Terrorism Act in Parliament Square, alleging they were protesting both the situation in Gaza and the ban on Palestine Action. This higher number has not been independently verified by mainstream media.Legal Challenges and Future Implications
Palestine Action is expected to mount a legal challenge to the proscription order. legal experts suggest the government will need to demonstrate a clear and compelling case that the group meets the legal threshold for being designated a terrorist organization.
The ban raises broader questions about the limits of protest and the government’s response to activism related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is likely to further polarize public opinion and could lead to an increase in underground activism and choice forms of protest.
Additional Details Not included in Original Article:
The Terrorism Act 2006: Details about the specific provisions of the Act that are being invoked to proscribe Palestine Action.
Previous proscriptions: A brief overview of other groups that have been proscribed under the Terrorism Act,providing context for the severity of the action.
* Financial Implications: The impact of proscription on Palestine
